Abstract

A total of 12 cases of palpable breast lesions with histopathological diagnosis of proliferative breast disease were selected and their fine needle aspiration smears were scored. The scoring system was devised for mammographically detectable non-palpable breast lesions. The same cytological criteria along with cytoarchitectural patterns such as swirling of epithelial cells and lumen formation were used in smears from palpable breast masses in the present study. The results showed 80% concurrence with histological diagnosis of proliferative breast diseases without atypia. Diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ was not possible by using the criteria. The cytological criteria and architectural patterns increase the accuracy of diagnosis in the spectrum of proliferative breast lesions.

Journal of Cytology 2004; 21 (1) : 26-29

Key Words: Fine needle aspiration, Proliferative breast disease, Ductal carcinoma in situ