Appraisal and cytomorphologic analysis of common carcinomas of the breast.

This work is based on 15 years experience with more than 9000 needle aspiration biopsies from the breast performed by a number of clinicians without syringe guns. From 1981 through 1983, 329 carcinomas were detected with a sensitivity of 90%. A positive or suspicious report was issued in 17 of the 32 minimal carcinomas. There were no false-positive diagnoses. A retrospective comparative study was made on the aspiration biopsy cytology specimens from 65 histologically verified carcinomas: 30 infiltrating ductal, 16 infiltrating lobular, 10 medullary, and 10 colloid carcinomas. Parameters included the pattern, major malignant criteria, and cell measurements by calibrated ocular micrometry. The classic features of each carcinoma and the differential cytomorphology are described.