Aspiration cytology of extramammary tumors metastatic to the breast.

This study was carried out to examine the cytomorphologic features of metastatic breast tumors and to assess the utility of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in diagnosing these tumors. The study group comprised five females and one male, all presenting with a breast mass. Their ages ranged between 35 and 65 years. FNAC of the breast mass was done in all cases. Three of the cases were previously diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (MCA) of the ovary, and melanoma. Three cases presented initially with a breast mass. These included melanoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and plasmacytoma. The diagnosis of NHL was confirmed on histology. The patient with plasmacytoma presented primarily with a breast lump but subsequently developed multiple myeloma, and in one case of melanoma the primary tumor was detected after breast metastases. Preoperative FNAC of extramammary tumors metastatic to the breast is invaluable because the management of the patient differs entirely from that of a primary neoplasm. An accurate diagnosis can be made with the help of clinical and radiological correlation. If available, a perusal of previous history and biopsy material may prove useful. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.