The value of fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of palpable breast lesions

Real-World Diagnostic Accuracy of the On-Site Cytopathology Advance Report (OSCAR) Procedure Performed in a Multidisciplinary One-Stop Breast Clinic

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology has been widely used for the diagnosis of breast cancer lesions with the objective of differentiating benign from malignant masses. However, the occurrence of unsatisfactory samples and false-negative rates remains a matter of concern. Major improvements have been made thanks to the implementation of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) in multidisciplinary and integrated medical settings such as one-stop clinics (OSCs). In these settings, clinical and radiological examinations are combined with a morphological study performed by interventional pathologists. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the on-site cytopathology advance report (OSCAR) procedure on breast FNA cytologic samples in our breast OSC during the first three years (April 2004 till March 2007) of its implementation. To this goal, we retrospectively analyzed a series of 1820 breast masses (1740 patients) radiologically classified according to the American College of Radiology (ACR) BI-RADS lexicon (67.6% being either BI-RADS 4 or 5), sampled by FNA and immediately diagnosed by cytomorphology. The clinicoradiological, cytomorphological, and histological characteristics of all consecutive patients were retrieved from the hospital computerized medical records prospectively registered in the central information system. Histopathological analysis and ultrasound (US) follow-up (FU) were the reference diagnostic tests of the study design. In brief, we carried out either a histopathological verification or an 18-month US evaluation when a benign cytology was concordant with the components of the triple test. Overall, histology was available for 1138 masses, whereas 491 masses were analyzed at the 18-month US-FU. FNA specimens were morphologically nondiagnostic in 3.1%, false negatives were observed in 1.5%, and there was only one false positive (0.06%). The breast cancer prevalence was 62%. Diagnostic accuracy measures of the OSCAR procedure with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were the following: sensitivity (Se) = 97.4% (96.19-98.31); specificity (Sp) = 94.98% (92.94-96.56); positive predictive value (PPV) = 96.80% (95.48-97.81); negative predictive value (NPV) = 95.91% (94.02-97.33); positive likelihood ratio (LR+) = 19.39 (13.75-27.32); negative predictive ratio (LR-) = 0.03 (0.02-0.04), and; accuracy = 96.45% (95.42-97.31). The respective positive likelihood ratio (LR+) for each of the four categories of cytopathological diagnoses (with their 95% CI) which are malignant, suspicious, benign, and nondiagnostic were 540 (76-3827); 2.69 (1.8-3.96); 0.03 (0.02-0.04); and 0.37 (0.2-0.66), respectively. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the OSCAR procedure is a highly reliable diagnostic approach and a perfect test to select patients requiring core-needle biopsy (CNB) when performed by interventional cytopathologists in a multidisciplinary and integrated OSC setting. Besides drastically limiting the rate of nondiagnostic specimens and diagnostic turn-around time, OSCAR is an efficient and powerful first-line diagnostic approach for patient-centered care.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Palpable Breast Masses: 2022 Update

Palpable masses in women are the most common symptom associated with breast cancer. This document reviews and evaluates the current evidence for imaging recommendations of palpable masses in women less than 30 to over 40 years of age. There is also a review of several different scenarios and recommendations after initial imaging. Ultrasound is usually the appropriate initial imaging for women under 30 years of age. If ultrasound findings are suspicious or highly suggestive of malignancy (BIRADS 4 or 5), it is usually appropriate to continue with diagnostic tomosynthesis or mammography with image-guided biopsy. No further imaging is recommended if the ultrasound is benign or negative. The patient under 30 years of age with a probably benign ultrasound may undergo further imaging; however, the clinical scenario plays a role in the decision to biopsy. For women between 30 to 39 years of age, ultrasound, diagnostic mammography, tomosynthesis, and ultrasound are usually appropriate. Diagnostic mammography and tomosynthesis are the appropriate initial imaging for women 40 years of age or older, as ultrasound may be appropriate if the patient had a negative mammogram within 6 months of presentation or immediately after mammography findings are suspicious or highly suggestive of malignancy. If the diagnostic mammogram, tomosynthesis, and ultrasound findings are probably benign, no further imaging is necessary unless the clinical scenario indicates a biopsy. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Efficacy of Modified Masood Scoring System (MMSS) in Cytological Diagnosis of Breast Lesions

Introduction: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) breast is generally considered a reliable diagnostic tool to distinguish non-proliferative from proliferative breast lesions. Nevertheless, differentiating these breast lesions on FNAC poses a diagnostic challenge. Modified Masood Scoring System (MMSS) based on cytomorphological examination has been used to help in differentiating these lesions.

Material and methods: A total of 67 patients were included in this prospective study done from November 2012 to May 2014 and the breast lesions were cytologically categorized by conventional and as per MMSS criteria, followed by comparison to a histopathological examination, which was taken as a gold standard. Relevant frequencies and proportions were calculated along with the sensitivity and specificity of the MMSS.

Results: The age of the patients ranged from 15 to 85 years with a mean age of 44.3 ± 14.8 years. Females predominated in the study and right-sided breast lesions were more common compared to the left side. Overall diagnostic specificity (100%) and accuracy (97%) were higher using MMSS as compared to conventional cytology in which case specificity was 83.6% and accuracy was 82.1%.

Conclusions: Cytological grading system based on MMSS allowed accurate and reproducible diagnosis compared to the standard histopathological diagnosis. It is essential to differentiate non-proliferative lesions from proliferative lesions as the line of treatment and prognosis varies.

Performance of Rapid On-Site Evaluation in Breast Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsies: Identifying Areas of Diagnostic Challenge

INTRODUCTION

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a well-established method for sampling breast lesions with high accuracy and positive predictive value. Despite its decline in recent years relative to the use of core needle biopsies, there are several advantages to FNA which include cost-effectiveness, low complication rate, and the ability to perform rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). The aim of this study was to evaluate breast FNAs with ROSE to identify diagnostic challenges during ROSE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified all breast FNAs with ROSE performed at Massachusetts General Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019. From the electronic medical record, clinical, radiological, and follow-up pathology results were recorded. Comparison between the rapid and final cytological diagnosis was made. All discrepancies were documented with major discrepancy defined as a malignant rapid interpretation not confirmed on final diagnosis or a negative rapid interpretation upgraded to suspicious or positive on final diagnosis.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 483 breast FNAs with ROSE. The rapid and final cytological interpretations showed good correlation, with only 6 (1.2%) major discrepancies. Problematic areas included low-grade, lobular, and fibroepithelial lesions with low cellularity being a contributory factor to misclassification.

CONCLUSIONS

FNA remains a highly accurate method for the evaluation of breast lesions with ROSE.

The International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Cytopathology showed improved diagnostic accuracy

BACKGROUND

The aim of the International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytopathology is to improve cytology practice. This study assessed cytologic diagnoses made with the system and its efficacy when it was applied by pathologists with different levels of experience.

METHODS

In all, 1080 cases of breast fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) over a period of 16 years were reviewed and reclassified with the system. The category distribution and the diagnostic performance were compared with the original diagnoses. The concordance rates for diagnoses from pathologists with different levels of experience were also determined.

RESULTS

The distribution of cytologic diagnoses made with the system was as follows: 11.7% were insufficient, 56.6% were benign, 20.1% were atypical, 6.1% were suspicious for malignancy, and 5.6% were malignant. The rates for the insufficient and atypical categories were lower than the original diagnosis rates (13.1% and 23.8%, respectively). Overall, 120 cases (11.1%) were recategorized. Among those recategorized as benign, suspicious, or malignant with follow-up data, 96.7% were correctly reclassified. A significant improvement in diagnostic performance was found with the system (P < .001). Such improvement was also seen in problematic breast lesions, including fibroepithelial lesions, papillary lesions, and low-grade carcinomas. Pathologists with intermediate experience showed a higher concordance with an expert pathologist in the diagnoses than those with short experience (κ, 0.838 vs 0.634).

CONCLUSIONS

The system effectively categorized the diagnoses, and the diagnostic performance of FNAB reporting was improved. The structured reporting also enhanced the reproducibility of reporting by pathologists with intermediate experience and, to some extent, those with short experience.

International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytopathology: A Review of Predictive Values and Risks of Malignancy

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the risk of malignancy (ROM) and predictive values in prior breast cytology studies as a basis for the new International Academy of Cytology (IAC) Yokohama system for reporting breast fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cytology, which classifies cytologic diagnoses into 5 categories: (1) insufficient material, (2) benign, (3) atypical, (4) suspicious of malignancy, and (5) malignant.

STUDY DESIGN

Publications between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2017, that studied the performance characteristics of FNAB from palpable and nonpalpable breast masses were identified through the PubMed database. Data for number of total cases and cases within each diagnostic category, if available, were collected. Performance characteristics, including absolute sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and ROM for each category were recorded or, when possible, calculated.

RESULTS

The literature review resulted in a case cohort of 33,341 breast FNABs, drawn from 27 studies. Pooling these cases together, the ROM for insufficient material, benign, atypical, suspicious, and malignant were 30.3, 4.7, 51.5, 85.4, and 98.7%, respectively. The complete sensitivity and specificity were 96.3 and 98.8%, correspondingly. The PPV and NPV were 98.7 and 95.3%, correspondingly. The false-negative and false-positive rates were 3.7 and 1.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrates that the diagnostic categories of the new IAC Yokohama System each carry an implied ROM, which increases from the benign to malignant categories. This study also shows the high sensitivity and specificity of FNAB for breast lesions.

Needle Biopsy Adequacy in the Era of Precision Medicine and Value-Based Health Care

CONTEXT.—

Needle biopsy of diseased tissue is an essential diagnostic tool that is becoming even more important as precision medicine develops. However, the capability of this modality to efficiently provide samples adequate for diagnostic and prognostic analysis remains quite limited relative to current diagnostic needs. For physicians and patients, inadequate biopsy frequently leads to diagnostic delay, procedure duplication, or insufficient information about tumor biology leading to delay in treatment; for health systems, this results in substantial incremental costs and inefficient use of scarce specialized diagnostic resources.

OBJECTIVE.—

To review current needle biopsy technology, devices, and practice with a perspective to identify current limitations and opportunities for improvement in the context of advancing precision medicine.

DATA SOURCES.—

PubMed searches of fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy devices and similar technologies were made generally, by tissue site, and by adequacy as well as by health economics of these technologies.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Needle biopsy adequacy can be improved by recognizing the importance of this diagnostic tool by promoting common criteria for needle biopsy adequacy; by optimizing needle biopsy procedural technique, technologies, clinical practice, professional education, and quality assurance; and by bundling biopsy procedure costs with downstream diagnostic modalities to provide better accountability and incentives to improve the diagnostic process.

The International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytopathology

The International Academy of Cytology (IAC) gathered together a group of cytopathologists expert in breast cytology who, working with clinicians expert in breast diagnostics and management, have developed the IAC Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) Cytology. The project was initiated with the first cytopathology group meeting in Yokohama at the 2016 International Congress of Cytology. This IAC Yokohama System defines five categories for reporting breast cytology, each with a clear descriptive term for the category, a definition, a risk of malignancy (ROM) and a suggested management algorithm. The key diagnostic cytopathology features of each of the lesions within each category will be presented more fully in a subsequent atlas. The System emphasizes that the crucial requirements for diagnostic breast FNAB cytology are a high standard for the performance of the FNAB and for the making of direct smears, and well-trained experienced cytopathologists to interpret the material. The performance indicators of breast FNAB, including specificity and sensitivity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and ROM stated in this article have been derived from the recent literature. The current practice of breast FNAB has evolved with the increasing use of ultrasound guidance and rapid on-site evaluation. Two recent publications have shown a range of ROM for the insufficient/inadequate category of 2.6-4.8%, benign 1.4-2.3%, atypical 13-15.7%, suspicious of malignancy 84.6-97.1%, and malignant 99.0-100%. The management algorithm in the System provides options because there are variations in the management of breast lesions using FNAB and core-needle biopsy in those countries utilizing the "triple test" of clinical, imaging, and FNAB assessment, and also variations in the availability of CNB and imaging in low- and middle-income countries. The System will stimulate further discussion and research, particularly in the cytological diagnostic features of specific lesions within each category and in management recommendations. This will lead to continuing improvements in the care of patients with breast lesions and possible modifications to the IAC Yokohama System.

Fine-needle cytology in the follow-up of breast carcinoma

The postoperative follow-up strategies for breast carcinoma (BC) utilize different procedures; the aim of this study was to investigate the role of fine-needle cytology (FNC) in the follow-up of BC patients. Two hundred sixty-six FNC samples from 190 BC patients have been reviewed. The target anatomical sites were 190 breast including 155 ipsilateral and 145 contralateral breast lesions and 76 extra-mammary nodules. Extra-mammary lesions included lymph nodes, thyroidal nodules, soft tissue lesions, (subcutaneous and sub-scars), salivary glands and deep located masses. Diagnostic distribution of the breast lesions was as follows: 51 positive, 15 indeterminate/suspicious, 119 negative and 5 inadequate. Positive cases included 43 ipsilateral and 8 contralateral BC, 9 BC in different quadrants from those of onset of the first BC. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy have been 90, 91 and 90&, respectively. FNC, in a correct setting, is a reliable and effective method for the follow-up management of BC patients.

Fine-needle aspiration and core biopsy in the diagnosis of breast lesions: A comparison and review of the literature

In recent times, the diagnosis of breast lesions has mostly become dependent on core needle biopsies (CNBs) with a gradual reduction in the rate of performing fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Both the procedures have their pros and cons and outsmart each other taking into account different parameters. Both the methods are found to be fraught with loopholes, taking into account different performance indices, diagnostic accuracy and concordance, patient benefit, and cost-effectiveness. Unlike the popular belief of an absolute superiority of CNB over FNAC, the literature review does not reveal a very distinct demarcation in many aspects. We recommend judicious use of these diagnostic modalities in resource-limited settings and screening programs taking into account parameters such as palpability and availability of an experienced cytopathologist.

Spontaneous breast cancer remission: A case report

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Spontaneous cancer remission without treatment is a known phenomenon with various types of cancer.

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Although spontaneous breast cancer remission has been thought to be a rare, this may occurs at a certain rate(not rare phenomenon).

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When cancer was not detected in the pathological specimen and there were no known biological markers to provide information for the decision regarding adjuvant therapy, observation without further treatment can be option.

Introduction

Spontaneous breast cancer remission is a rare phenomenon. We report the disappearance from the remaining breast of a new primary carcinoma that had been confirmed through cytology of a pathological specimen, in a case that is strongly suspected to be spontaneous remission.

Presentation of case

A 44-year-old woman underwent breast-conserving surgery for a tumor located on the border between the upper-outer and lower-outer quadrants of the left breast (T2, N1, M0; Stage IIB). Eleven years after surgery, computed tomography indicated a mass in the upper-inner quadrant of the left breast. Excisional biopsy was initially planned for treatment following the definitive diagnosis because cytology revealed malignancy. The patient had noticed tumor regression one month after fine-needle aspiration and repeat ultrasonography performed the day before excisional biopsy confirmed the tumor reduction. On pathological examination, no tumor cells were observed in the mass.

Discussion

There was a discrepancy between FNA cytology and pathological diagnosis in our patient. The cytological findings indicated malignancy, but the pathological findings did not. When a tumor’s pathological diagnosis is not malignant even though its FNA cytology diagnosis was malignant, sampling error, cytological over-diagnosis or some other error may have occurred. In this case, however, these were not detected. Because fibrosis was visible on pathological examination, we believe that these events corresponded to spontaneous remission.

Conclusion

We report a rare case of spontaneous remission in which the cancer disappeared on pathological examination although the cytological diagnosis had been malignant.

The diagnostic and prognostic role of liquid-based cytology: are we ready to monitor therapy and resistance?

Here, we evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of liquid-based cytology (LBC) in different body lesions, including thyroid, lung, effusions and malignant breast lesions. LBC has gained consensus after being applied to both non-gynecologic and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Although some remain sceptical regarding the diagnostic efficacy of LBC, mainly when used alone, in recent years, good results have been obtained as long as it showed a high diagnostic accuracy. Here, we discuss the additional possibility of storing material for the application of ancillary techniques (immunocytochemistry-molecular analysis) with several diagnostic and prognostic advantages, which may pave the way for the challenging evaluation of both monitoring responses to treatment and resistance to targeted therapies in thyroid, lung, breast carcinoma or malignant effusions. Furthermore, it provides the use of several molecular spots as specific targets for personalized therapy.

Atypical Hidradenoma Mimicking Primary Mammary Carcinoma on Breast Fine-Needle Aspiration: A Case Report with Long-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is well-established as an accurate technique for the diagnosis of palpable breast masses. While the differential diagnosis of such lesions usually focuses on benign or malignant mammary proliferations, a subset of breast neoplasms arises from skin and soft tissue. Skin adnexal neoplasms such as hidradenoma can pose a particular pitfall on breast FNA cytology (FNAC) as epithelial proliferations that are not of ductal or lobular origin.

CASE

A 59-year-old female presented with a superficial breast mass. FNAC revealed a hypercellular lesion with marked nuclear atypia that was highly suspicious for carcinoma. However, at partial mastectomy, the histological features of the tumor were consistent with atypical hidradenoma. Negativity for estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) confirmed the diagnosis. Eighteen years later, the patient remains free of recurrence or metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

This report offers the first description of findings of atypical hidradenoma on FNAC. In the breast, its high cellularity and nuclear atypia can mimic a primary mammary carcinoma on FNAC. Although breast and skin adnexal tumors show a immunohistochemical overlap, negative ER and PR stains in a low-grade tumor can suggest a nonmammary lesion. Skin adnexal neoplasms should be considered in the differential diagnosis of superficial breast tumors.

Comparison between Radiological and Invasive Diagnostic Modalities in Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cause of deaths of cancer in women. Nowadays, following completion of imaging methods, mainly fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and core biopsy methods have been used for establishing cytopathological diagnosis although discussions regarding superiority continue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Those with a complaint of "mass in breast" along with those diagnosed to have a mass as a result of routine physical examination among all patients applying to our clinic between 01.01.2009 and 31.12.2011 were retrospectively assessed. Totals of 146 and 64 patients with complete radiological observation who had undergone FNAB and core biopsies, respectively, were evaluated. Postoperative pathological results of patients of both groups receiving surgery were also taken into consideration. All results were compared in terms of false positivity/negativity, sensitivity/specifity, surgery types and distribution of postoperative results with regard to diagnoses along with those of malignant/benign masses with regard to quadrants determined.

RESULTS

Diagnostic malignancy power of mammographic BIRADS classification was 87.3%. However, the value was 75% in the core biopsy group. Sensitivity and specifity following comparison of FNAB and postoperative pathology results of those receiving surgery were 85.4% and 92.9% while they were 93.5% and 100% in the core biopsy group. Diagnostic malignancy power, calculated by determining AUC in ROC analysis, of FNAB was 89.1% while that of core biopsy was 96.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

It was shown that core biopsy is superior to FNAB in terms of sensitivity, specificity and accurate histopathological classification. However; quick, cheap and basic diagnosis by means of FNAB should not be ignored. Sensitivity of FNAB is rather high in experienced hands and furthermore it would be expected to be lower than with core biopsy.

Grey zone lesions of breast: Potential areas of error in cytology

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the breast is a rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive procedure to diagnose breast lesions, and was widely employed to diagnose breast lesions in the past. However, in recent times, core needle biopsy of the breast is gaining popularity and acceptability, although FNAC still looms large. There are some intrinsic disadvantages to FNAC, of which the most important is probably difficulty in classification of a significant percentage of breast lesions. Such lesions are usually denoted by the rubric “grey zone lesions of the breast.” This article attempts to review these grey zone lesions and highlight the difficulties in diagnosing them.

[Exploring a non-inflammatory clinical breast mass: Clinical practice guidelines]

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of physical examination, radiologic explorations and percutaneous procedures of the breast in the exploration of a non-inflammatory palpable mass, in order to propose guidelines.

METHOD

A systematic literature review was conducted in the Medline and Cochrane library databases. International guidelines in French and English language were also consulted until April 30th 2015.

RESULTS

Physical examination of a non-inflammatory palpable breast mass is not sufficient to eliminate a breast cancer (LE2). Mammography alone has a sensitivity between 70 and 95% for the diagnosis of breast cancer (LE3). Echography alone has a sensitivity of 98 to 100% for the diagnosis of breast cancer (LE2). The core needle biopsy has a better sensitivity and specificity than the fine-needle aspiration for breast cancer diagnosis (LE2). The association of mammography and 2D echography presents excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value (close to 100 %) to exclude a breast cancer (LE3). A double evaluation using mammography and echography is recommended in the exploration of a non-inflammatory palpable breast mass (grade B).

Correlation between Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology and Histology for Palpable Breast Masses in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution

Background. Management of breast lumps can be challenging in resource poor settings. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) especially when used with cell block can help improve affordability for the patients. Objective. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of FNAC of palpable breast lesions within a 5-year period. Methods. The findings obtained from FNAC of palpable breast lumps seen at the FNAC clinic of our department from January 2007 to December 2011 were retrieved and correlated with findings on histology of excisional biopsies. Results. A total of 1790 patients had FNAC of breast lumps during the 5-year period; 436 of them subsequently had biopsies. Our results compare favourably with the measures of test performance of the UK NHS Breast Screening Programme shown in brackets: absolute sensitivity 95.4% (>70%), complete sensitivity 99.2% (>90%), full specificity 88.9% (>65%), positive predictive value 99.6% (>99%), false-negative rate 0.8% (<4%), false-positive rate 0.4% (<0.5%), inadequate rate 3.2% (<15%), and suspicious rate 10.2% (<15%). Conclusion. Breast FNACs compare very well with histology of excisional biopsies and in experienced hands are extremely useful in the management of breast lumps. Further studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of FNAC and cell blocks in our setting are recommended.

Pattern of palpable breast lesions on fine needle aspiration: A retrospective analysis of 902 cases

Background:

Breast lumps constitute a significant proportion of surgical cases in women of both developed and developing countries. The aim of this study is to look the frequency distribution of various breast lesions on fine needle aspiration (FNA).

Materials and Methods:

The 902 patients who presented with palpable breast lump, irrespective of age and sex were included in the study. Frequency distribution of various breast lesions with respect to age and sex was studied. Cytology grading in breast carcinoma was correlated in 69 cases with histology grading.

Results:

The majority (N = 871) of patients were females with maximum (N = 566) patients between second and third decade. The 773 patients had benign breast lesions and maximum (N = 341) patients were in the second decade. Fibroadenoma was the commonest benign lesion followed by fibrocystic change and mastitis. Out of 119 malignant breast lesions, 31.93% [N = 38] were between 41-50 years of age, 28.57% [N = 34] in 51-60 years and 22.68% [N = 27] in between 31-40 years of age. Out of 119 malignant breast lumps and majority were infiltrating ductal carcinoma (N = 108). Cytology grading correlated maximum with histology grade in Grade I followed by Grade II and Grade III.

Conclusion:

With experienced hands, FNA is safe, cost effective and a reliable technique for preoperative evaluation of palpable breast lumps. FNA features are more informative when combined with physical and radiology findings (Triple test). Fibroadenoma, fibrocystic change and mastitis form the major bulk of benign breast lesions. Epithelioid cells when seen in inflammatory breast FNA smears, tuberculosis must be ruled out. In India, breast carcinoma arises in younger patients as compared to western countries. Grading of breast carcinomas must be done on FNA smears for selecting neoadjuvent therapy. Clinical breast examination and mammography screening in females should be encouraged in developing countries from the third decade onwards for early detection of breast carcinoma.

Liquid-based cytology in fine-needle aspiration of breast lesions: a review

OBJECTIVE

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a safe and cost-effective technique for the diagnosis of breast lesions, especially when correlated with clinical and imaging studies. However, the success of breast FNA is highly dependent on the adequate preparation of cytological conventional smears (CS). The liquid-based cytology (LBC) technique consists of an automated method for preparing thin-layer cytological samples from cell suspensions collected in alcohol-based preservative. LBC is designed to improve CS by avoiding limiting factors such as obscuring material, air-drying and smearing artifacts.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a review of the published literature about LBC applied to breast FNA.

RESULTS

LBC preparations of breast aspirates demonstrated better cellular preservation, less cell overlapping and elimination of blood and excessive inflammation compared to CS. Conversely, alterations in architecture and cell morphology as well as loss of myoepithelial cells and stromal elements have been described in LBC specimens, requiring training before applying this technique for diagnosis. Studies have shown a similar accuracy between LBC and CS for the diagnosis of breast lesions. LBC also permits the use of residual material for ancillary tests, which is an important advantage compared to CS.

CONCLUSIONS

LBC can be safely applied to breast FNA, showing a similar diagnostic accuracy to CS.

Inconclusive or erroneous fine-needle aspirates of breast with adequate and representative material: a cytologic/histologic study

Adequately cellular and representative fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) of breast have a high diagnostic accuracy. There is, however, a recognized category designated as "gray zone" where a definitive diagnosis cannot be reached. We reviewed our experience in this category to identify useful diagnostic parameters. Twenty-four such FNAs with surgical follow-up were retrieved from AUBMC files (2003-2009). Cytology slides were reviewed blindly. All cases were females, 29-73 years. There were three erroneous and 21 inconclusive diagnoses. The majority (15) was invasive adenocarcinomas: two cribriform, four tubular, one lobular, and eight not otherwise specified. The remaining cases were papillary and fibroepithelial tumors (three each), ductal carcinoma in situ, cribriform (two), and one adenomyoepithelioma (AME). Useful diagnostic features included: (1) Biphasic cell population with focal nuclear atypia and intranuclear and cytoplasmic vacuolar inclusions (AME). (2) Complex clusters of epithelial cells with cribriform architecture (cribriform carcinoma). (3) Rigid tubular epithelial structures with abrupt change in diameter, ending in pointed tips with abnormal branching (tubular carcinoma). (4) Cellular stromal fragments (fibroepithelial tumors). (5) Papillary fibrovascular cores, columnar cells, and three-dimensional papillary epithelial fragments (papillary tumors). Myoepithelial cells classically described in benign aspirates were not always a discriminatory factor. The "gray zone" in breast FNA is usually due to overlapping cytologic features of some benign and malignant lesions. Useful distinguishing cytologic features are described.

Comparative Study of Cytomorphological Robinson's Grading for Breast Carcinoma with Modified Bloom-Richardson Histopathological Grading

Objective. To study the correlation of cytomorphological Robinson's grading for breast cancers with a modified Bloom-Richardson histopathological grading. Materials and Methods. One hundred sixteen cytologically malignant breast tumour cases were included in this study and correlated with paraffin embedded sections. Breast lumps were varied from less than 1 cm to 11 cm in greatest dimension. FNA was performed from different sites of the breast lump, and smears were stained with Giemsa and H&E stain and evaluated for cytological grading according to Robinson's grading system. Paraffin embedded tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain and graded according to modified Bloom-Richardson grading system. Comparison between these two grading systems was done. Results. Cytologically grade I, grade II, and grade III cases were 13.8%, 64.65%, and 21.55%, respectively. Histologically 25%, 54.31%, and 20.69% cases were grade I, grade II, and grade III, respectively. Concordance rate between cytology and histology of grade I, grade II, and grade III tumors was 75%, 70.67%, and 60% respectively. The absolute concordance rate was 68.97%. Conclusion. In the era of multiple treatment modalities and neoadjuvant therapy, cytological grading can be used as a prognostic factor for better management of patients.

The true nature of atypical breast cytology

BACKGROUND

Atypical breast cytology is a poorly understood heterogeneous category with limited clinical utility but significant implications for patient management.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an insight into the true nature of atypical breast cytology in screening-detected (asymptomatic) and symptomatic settings, and find strategies for reducing the use of this diagnostic category.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 6,415 breast cytology samples were processed between January 2004 and December 2008. An atypical cytological diagnosis was rendered in 256 (4%) of the cases. A blind microscopic review of the atypical cases was conducted and results were correlated with subsequent histological and/or clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Follow-up information by histology was available in 85.5%, by repeat fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in 3.5% and by imaging or clinical follow-up in 10.2% of the cases. Two patients (0.8%) were lost to follow-up. Of the 254 cases with follow-up, 62.6% were benign and 37.4% were malignant. The benign to malignant ratios were 1:1 and 2:1 in the screening and symptomatic groups, respectively. The atypical category in the screening population mostly yielded fat necrosis, complex sclerosing lesions and low- to intermediate-grade carcinoma on follow-up. The main outcomes in the symptomatic group were papilloma, fibroadenoma, ductal carcinoma in situ and lobular carcinoma. Preanalytical (suboptimal samples) factors were encountered in 34.8% and interpretative factors in 65.2% of the cases. Uncertainty about cellular morphology was attributed to such a diagnosis in 38 (14.8%) of the cases, architectural complexity in 137 (53.5%) and morphology and architecture in 70 (27.3%); 4.3% of cases were considered nondiagnostic.

CONCLUSION

The atypical category is a necessary diagnosis but of limited use from a patient management perspective. Some preanalytical factors such as poor sample quality can be minimized by the involvement of cytopathologists in the FNA procedure. The use of the atypical category is partly dependent on the experience and confidence of the reporting pathologist. Assigning a case to this category is also likely to be unduly influenced by clinical or radiological findings. Our study indicates that the use of the atypical category can be reduced by up to 40% by appreciating these contributing factors. The practical utilization of the atypical category in breast cytology remains subjective and further study is required to identify useful objective criteria.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology can play a role in neoadjuvant chemotherapy in operable breast cancer

Despite the fact that CNB has been progressively replaced by FNAC in the investigation of nonpalpable lesions or microcalcifications without a clinical or radiological mass lesion, FNAC has yet a role in palpable lesions provided it is associated with the triple diagnosis and experienced cytologist. In these conditions, FNAC is a safe, effective, economical, and accurate technique for breast cancer evaluation. Numerous literature reviews and meta-analyses illustrated the advantages and disadvantages of both methods CNB and FNAC. The difference does not seem significant when noninformative and unsatisfactory FNAC was excluded. Recently, cytological methods using liquid-based cytology (LBC) technology improve immunocytological and molecular tests with the same efficiency as classical immunohistochemistry. The indications of FNAC were, for palpable lesions, relative contraindication of CNB (elderly or frailty), staging of multiple nodules in conjunction or not with CNB, staging of lymph node status, newly appearing lesion in patient under neoadjuvant treatment, decreasing of anxiety with a rapid diagnosis, evaluation of biomarkers and new biomarkers, and chronological evaluation of biomarker following the neoadjuvant therapy response.

Breast fine-needle aspiration cytology performance in the high-risk screening population: a study of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of breast lesions is usually confirmed by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or histological biopsy. Although there is increasing literature regarding the advantages and limitations of both modalities, there is no literature regarding the accuracy of these modalities for diagnosing breast lesions in high-risk patients, who usually have lesions detected by screening. The objective of the current study was to evaluate diagnostic performance indices of FNAC in breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) mutation carriers.

METHODS

BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers who underwent FNAC were selected from the database of the Rotterdam Family Cancer Clinic. FNAC accuracy parameters were calculated by taking the outcome of a subsequent histological diagnosis or clinical follow-up as reference standard.

RESULTS

In total, 320 FNACs were obtained, and FNAC examination was followed by histological examination in 150 patients. The rate of insufficient material was 25.6%. Sensitivity was 92.3%, specificity 96.3%. The false-positive rate was 3.7%, the false-negative rate was 7.7%, and accuracy was 94.7%. A substantial proportion of patients (35%) with malignant FNAC results underwent histological biopsy upfront surgical resection. Small lesion size (≤ 1 cm) and nonpalpability of the breast lesion were associated with decreased FNAC accuracy. In 113 patients who had a benign FNAC outcome without histological follow-up, no malignancies were detected during clinical or radiologic surveillance (median follow-up 84 months).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a role for FNAC in diagnosing breast lesions of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers, ie, to confirm a radiological (probably) benign lesion. However, despite the high overall sensitivity of FNAC, the authors recommend histological biopsy as the preferred diagnostic method for high-risk patients who have small or nonpalpable lesions.

Indeterminate and erroneous fine-needle aspirates of breast with focus on the 'true gray zone': a review

OBJECTIVE

To review our experience and the literature on inconclusive/erroneous fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) of breast with the focus on the 'true gray zone'. To describe the cytology, differential diagnosis, pitfalls and limitations of common and rare lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a literature search focusing on breast FNAs with statistical data of C3 and C4 categories including false-positive and false-negative cases. Similar data from 2003 to 2009 was obtained from our institution.

RESULTS

C3 and C4 categories account for 3-17% of breast FNAs. Contributing factors are technical difficulties, inexperienced pathologists interpreting FNAs of breast and overlap of cytologic features of certain benign and malignant conditions; this last, 'true gray zone' accounts for 2% of cases. Fibroadenoma, proliferative breast lesions, gynecomastia, infiltrating and in situ low-grade adenocarcinomas and tubular, cribriform, lobular and mucinous carcinomas are the most common problematic lesions. Granular cell tumor, adenomyoepithelioma, pregnancy-related lesions, fat necrosis, inflammatory and radiation changes, adenoid cystic carcinoma, spindle-cell lesions and Phyllodes tumor are less common.

CONCLUSION

Inconclusive/erroneous FNAs of breast due to the 'true gray zone' are rare. Most are due to the overlapping cytologic features of some benign and malignant conditions. Practical features that may help arrive at the correct diagnoses are elucidated.

Diagnostic imaging strategy for MDCT- or MRI-detected breast lesions: use of targeted sonography

BACKGROUND

Leading-edge technology such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) often reveals mammographically and ultrasonographically occult lesions. MRI is a well-documented, effective tool to evaluate these lesions; however, the detection rate of targeted sonography varies for MRI detected lesions, and its significance is not well established in diagnostic strategy of MRI detected lesions. We assessed the utility of targeted sonography for multidetector-row CT (MDCT)- or MRI-detected lesions in practice.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 695 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer who were candidates for breast conserving surgery and underwent MDCT or MRI in our hospital between January 2004 and March 2011. Targeted sonography was performed in all MDCT- or MRI-detected lesions followed by imaging-guided biopsy. Patient background, histopathology features and the sizes of the lesions were compared among benign, malignant and follow-up groups.

RESULTS

Of the 695 patients, 61 lesions in 56 patients were detected by MDCT or MRI. The MDCT- or MRI-detected lesions were identified by targeted sonography in 58 out of 61 lesions (95.1%). Patients with pathological diagnoses were significantly older and more likely to be postmenopausal than the follow-up patients. Pathological diagnosis proved to be benign in 20 cases and malignant in 25. The remaining 16 lesions have been followed up.Lesion size and shape were not significantly different among the benign, malignant and follow-up groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 95% of MDCT- or MRI-detected lesions were identified by targeted sonography, and nearly half of these lesions were pathologically proven malignancies in this study. Targeted sonography is a useful modality for MDCT- or MRI-detected breast lesions.

C. A modified method for whole exome resequencing from minimal amounts of starting DNA

Next generation DNA sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized the pace at which whole genome and exome sequences can be generated. However, despite these advances, many of the methods for targeted resequencing, such as the generation of high-depth exome sequences, are somewhat limited by the relatively large amounts of starting DNA that are normally required. In the case of tumour analysis this is particularly pertinent as many tumour biopsies often return submicrogram quantities of DNA, especially when tumours are microdissected prior to analysis. Here, we present a method for exome capture and resequencing using as little as 50 ng of starting DNA. The sequencing libraries generated by this minimal starting amount (MSA-Cap) method generate datasets that are comparable to standard amount (SA) whole exome libraries that use three micrograms of starting DNA. This method, which can be performed in most laboratories using commonly available reagents, has the potential to enhance large scale profiling efforts such as the resequencing of tumour exomes.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast: the nonmalignant categories

Currently, accurate diagnosis of breast lesions depends on a triple assessment approach comprising clinical, imaging and pathologic examinations. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is widely adopted for the pathologic assessment because of its accurracy and ease of use. While much has been written about the atypical and maliganant categories of FNAC diagnosis, little covers the non-malignanat category which represents a sheer number in all FNAC cases. Moreover, any false-negative diagnosis of the non-malignant cases may lead to missed diagnosis of cancer. This paper aims to discuss the issues of smear adequacy, the cytologic features of benign breast lesions and the dilemma of a false-negative aspirate. Much has been suggested about the smear adequacy criterion, including quantifying epithelial clusters, whereas others advocate basing adequacy on qualitative quantum of using noncellular features of FNAC. Various benign lesions could be easily diagnosed at FNAC; however, they have cytologic features overlapped with malignant lesions. False negativity of FNAC does occur; this could be caused by either “true” false-negative cases attributed to suboptimal sampling technique, poor localization of the mass or nonpalpable lesions or “false” false-negative cases due to interpretational errors. Though false-positive cases are less commonly found, they will also be discussed briefly.