FNAC of Breast Lumps in Pregnancy and Lactation

Pai MR, Raghuveer CV, Krishnaraj U, Shankarnarayan, Kini H, Lobo FD, Naik R, Baliga P

Abstract

During pregnancy, breast lumps can not only arise de novo but pre-existing lumps can enlarge and at times some of them can recur in the subsequent pregnancy. FNAC picture of benign lumps can be sometimes so disturbing that over diagnosis of malignancy is not uncommon. On the other hand occurrence of truly malignant tumours during pregnancy and lactation should be correctly diagnosed, to plan the treatment. Herein we report FNAC of 13 cases of breast lumps in pregnancy and lactation. All the patients were between 20 and 30 years of age. Seven of them showed essentially benign cytologic picture with certain atypical features while in the remaining 6 cases FNAC showed predominantly malignant cellular morphology necessitating further immediate surgical management.

Journal of Cytology : 2004; 21 (3) : 133-135

Key words : FNAC, Pregnancy, Lactation, Adenoma, Carcinoma