Field cancerization in mammary tissues

In this chapter we review published evidence for field cancerization within human mammary tissues. First, breast tissue development and morphology is revisited with a focus on the different cell types that can be affected by or contribute to field cancerization. Different definitions and possible concepts and cellular mechanisms of breast field cancerization are also presented. This is followed by a review of published molecular data including genetic, epigenetic, and expressional that is in support of mammary field cancerization. We then discuss the clinical importance of field cancerization in breast tissues as a source for biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic potential, and its relationship to surgical margins and disease recurrence. We conclude with a future outlook of further research in breast field cancerization addressing experimental methods and the development of possible models to increase knowledge of this important field of research.