2017 Volume 56 Issue 6 Pages 283-288
Objective : The aim of the present study was to establish an algorithm for cytological diagnosis of mucinous carcinoma of the breast by a standardized liquid based cytology (LBC) method.
Study design : We reviewed the findings in 10 fine-needle aspiration cytology specimens obtained from patients who had been histologically diagnosed as having pure mucinous carcinoma at Sagara hospital between September 2013 and December 2015. LBC specimens had been prepared by washing out the needle in CytorichTM RED after the preparation of conventional smears. The morphological characteristics of mucin, epithelial clusters, cancer cells and vessels were evaluated in 7 of the 10 cases in which sufficient epithelial cells were found on the LBC slides.
Results : Histologically, all the cases had been diagnosed as having type B mucinous carcinoma. Examination of the LBC specimens in these cases revealed the following features ; 1) fragmented mucin, with various sizes of fragments ; 2) transparent mucin with streaks ; 3) solid and discohesive clusters of small-to-medium sizes ; 4) mild nuclear atypia. Granular cytoplasm and delicate branching vessels, which are characteristic features of mucinous carcinoma, were observed in four cases (57.1%).
Conclusion : One of the most characteristic features of mucinous carcinoma in LBC specimens is the presence of fragmented mucin. Findings of a granular cytoplasm of the cells and delicate vessels may be helpful.
