Breast carcinoma in a fibroadenoma: diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology

• Published in: Pathology Vol. 30; no. 4; pp. 419 - 421
• Main Authors: Psarianos, Tina, Kench, James G., Ung, Owen A., Bmous, A. Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier B.V 1998; Informa UK Ltd; Taylor and Francis
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Biopsy, Needle; Breast; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; carcinoma; Carcinoma in Situ - pathology; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast - pathology; Female; fibroadenoma; Fibroadenoma - pathology; FNA cytology; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Mammary gland diseases; Medical sciences; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary - pathology; Tropical medicine; Tumors; Breast; FNA cytology; fibroadenoma; carcinoma; LCI8; DCIS; Human; Ductal carcinoma; Fibroadenoma; Malignant tumor; Aspiration punction; Fine needle aspiration biopsy; Case study; Mammary gland diseases; Pathology; Concomitant disease; Fine needle; Adult; Cytopathology; Female; Benign neoplasm; Diagnosis; Mammary gland
• ISSN: 0031-3025; 1465-3931
• DOI: 10.1080/00313029800169736

We describe a case of ductal carcinoma in situ(DCIS) occurring in a fibroadenoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. The cytological features comprised a small population of pleomorphic cells admixed with a dominant population of bland epithelial cells showing features consistent with those of a fibroadenoma. Excision biopsy confirmed the presence of DCIS within an otherwise typical fibroadenoma.
Recent reviews have emphasised the potential for fibroadenoma to cytologically mimic carcinoma, leading to false positive findings, however the converse is also possible. We conclude that a false negative cytological diagnosis may be avoided by recommending histological confirmation by excision biopsy when significant atypia is present, even if the overall pattern is that of a fibroadenoma.