Fine needle aspiration cytology of invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast. A report of two cases

Acta Cytol. 1997 Jul-Aug;41(4 Suppl):1394-8. doi: 10.1159/000333547.

Abstract

Background: Invasive micropapillary carcinoma is a recently described variant of invasive breast cancer characterized by the formation of micropapillae within clear spaces separated by a fibrocollagenous stroma. Although the histologic features are well described, to the best of our knowledge, the cytologic findings have not been reported.

Cases: The fine needle aspiration cytology of two cases of biopsy confirmed invasive micropapillary carcinoma are described and compared to the histologic features. In one case, an additional FNA of a subsequent metastasis is reviewed.

Conclusion: The cytologic features of invasive micropapillary carcinoma are distinctive and correlate with the histology. Invasive micropapillary carcinoma can be suggested based on the FNA findings of numerous well-formed angular, papillary clusters along with other criteria of malignancy. The cytologic differential diagnosis of invasive micropapillary carcinoma is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis*
  • Mastectomy
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness