Cytogenetic analysis in human breast carcinoma. I. Nine cases in the diploid range investigated using direct preparations.

Cells in mitosis were found in 51 of 110 (47%) breast tumor samples; karyotypes of nine tumors in the diploid range are presented. The simplest stemline karyotype found was 46,XX, -16, +del(1)(qter----p21). The chromosome homologues most frequently lost were #8, #13, and #16. Monosomy or partial monosomy for chromosome #16 was seen in six cases, including the two simplest and chromosome #16 might be of relevance for initiation of malignant transformation in breast carcinoma. The only chromosome feature common to all nine breast carcinomas was the presence of a marker involving the long arm of chromosome #1, the region shared by all being 1qter----1q21.