Fine-needle cytology and flow cytometry assessment of reactive and lymphoproliferative processes of the breast.

OBJECTIVE

The breast may be affected by reactive and lymphoproliferative processes such as primary (PBL) or secondary (SBL) lymphoma, reactive intramammary lymph nodes and sclerosing lobulitis; imaging may be not specific and surgical treatment not indicated. We report an experience with fine-needle cytology (FNAC) combined with flow cytometry (FC) and immunocytochemistry (ICC) in the diagnosis of these processes.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty-seven cases comprising intramammary lymph nodes (n = 15), sclerosing lobulitis (n = 2), PBL (n = 11) and SBL (n = 9) are reported. FNAC was used to prepare traditional smears, conventional ICC or FC. Cytological diagnoses were compared to the imaging data, checked by histology or follow-up and statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

Imaging was not conclusive in most PBL, SBL, sclerosing lobulitis and some intramammary lymph nodes. FNAC combined with FC and ICC provided a definitive diagnosis of intramammary lymph node, sclerosing lobulitis, PBL and SBL in 18 cases with indication of the specific subtype in 10 cases. Statistical analysis showed 90% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value and 89% negative predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

FNAC combined with FC and ICC is a helpful procedure for the diagnosis of reactive and lymphoproliferative processes of the breast. It may prevent unnecessary biopsy and speed up therapeutic procedures.