Cytomorphological features, AgNOR counts and c-erb B-2 in carcinoma breast.

The present study was designed to evaluate the cytomorphological features (nuclear grade and smear pattern) and AgNOR counts in 60 cases of carcinoma breast. The smears were stained with May Gruenwald Giemsa (MGG) and Papanicolaou stains. Silver staining nucleolar organiser region (AgNOR) counts and c-erb B-2 immunostaining were also done in each case. The smear pattern was assessed and classified as 'typical', 'cluster predominant' or 'individual cell type', and the nuclei were graded as grade I, II or III. Smear pattern and nuclear grade were found to be related variables. A significant association was found between nuclear grade and AgNOR counts (p = 0.03). Also postmenopausal women had statistically significant higher nuclear grades and less cohesive cell clusters as compared to premenopausal women. Twenty-three carcinoma breast were positive for c-erb B-2, of these 14 were postmenopausal women.