Comparative evaluation of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions parameters in benign and malignant breast tumors

Aim. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the AgNOR parameters for the discrimination of benign from malignant breast tumors via a new approach - the total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA). Material and methods. Three groups, consisting of control (n = 14), benign (n = 18) and malignant (n = 28) participants were included in the study. The AgNOR staining technique was performed and both mean AgNOR number and TAA/NA ratio were evaluated. Results. While the differences between the control and patient groups were statistically significant for AgNOR number (p < 0.001), it was not significant between the malignant group and the benign group for mean AgNOR number (p > 0.05). For the ratio of TAA/NA, the differences between the control and benign group (p < 0.001), control and malignant group (p < 0.001), and malignant and benign patient groups were significant. (p < 0.05). Conclusion. We consider that the evaluation of the TAA/NA rate, when compared with the AgNOR number, can be more sensitive and useful tool for distinguishing benign from the malignant breast lesions.