Ductal carcinoma, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)
Invasive ductal carcinoma, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast carcinoma, accounting for approximately 75% of all invasive carcinoma. FNA specimens of ductal carcinoma, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) usually show cytological features common to all breast carcinomata. Cytological diagnostic features High cellularity Loosely cohesive groups and single atypical […]
Mastitis
Mastitis FNA cytology of acute mastitis shows yellowish or greenish fluid with numerous neutrophils and foamy macrophages, with abundant background debris. Epithelial atypia resulting from the acute inflammatory process can be seen. Atypical epithelial cells can show features of regeneration and repair, with groups of cells arranged in a flat, streaming pattern with maintainance of […]
Subareaolar abscess
Subareaolar abscess Subareolar abscess is an inflammatory lesion involving the lactiferous ducts in the subareolar region. Squamous metaplasia of the lactiferous duct results in obstruction and subsequent rupture of the duct, with release of keratinous debris into the surrounding stroma. This induces a foreign body reaction, with acute and chronic inflammation. Cytological diagnostic features Squamous […]
Intraductal carcinoma (DCIS)
Intraductal carcinoma (DCIS) Cytological features of intraductal carcinoma (ductal carcinoma in situ, DCIS) vary according to whether a comedo or non-comedo type of DCIS is aspirated, the latter being characterized by intraductal necrosis. DCIS, comedo type – cytological diagnostic features Moderate to high cellularity Loosely cohesive groups and single cells Large pleomorphic cells Abundant necrotic […]
Fat necrosis
Fat necrosis Fat necrosis is a benign breast lesion which can radiologically, clinically and histologically (especially on frozen sections) simulate malignancy. Only a minority of patients report a history of trauma. FNA specimens show necrotic and degenerating adipocytes with amorphous debris, inflammatory cells (neutrophils, plasma cells, lymphocytes) and numerous lipid-laden macrophages (lipophages). Multinucleated foreign body-type […]
Mucinous (colloid) carcinoma
Mucinous (colloid) carcinoma Mucinous (colloid) carcinoma accounts for approximately 5% of breast carcinomas and typically occurs in older women. It is associated with a better prognosis than the invasive ductal carcinoma NOS. Mucinous carcinomas can be divided into pure, mixed and signet ring cell carcinoma, with the latter having the worst prognosis. Mammography usually shows […]
Fibrocystic change
Fibrocystic change Fibrocystic change is the most common lesion to produce a breast mass in women aged over 30. Up to 50% of women have palpable ‘lumpiness’ and up to 90% show histological changes. The lesions of fibrocystic change, usually multiple and bilateral, are the most common palpable lesions sampled by FNA. Histologic features include […]
Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenoma Fibroadenoma is the most common breast neoplasm, occurring in all age groups, but especially common in young women from 20 to 35 years of age. In contrast with the ill-defined nature of fibrocystic change, fibroadenomata are movable, discrete nodules, measuring usually less than 4 cm in maximum dimension. They often increase in size with […]
C3: Atypia probably benign
Aspirates in this category can have all the characteristics of a benign aspirate. In addition, a combination of features not usually seen in benign aspirates may be present. These can be: Nuclear pleomorphism. Some loss of cellular cohesiveness. Nuclear hyperchromasia and changes resulting from, for example, hormonal (pregnancy, pill, hormone replacement therapy) or treatment influences. […]
Papilloma
Papilloma Solitary intraductal papillomata occur most often in women from 50 to 60 years of age. Patients often do not have a palpable mass, but rather present with a serous or bloody nipple discharge. Aspiration of a papilloma shows tight clusters and three-dimensional groups of epithelial cells, possibly in a papillary arrangement, which is more […]