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Breast hamartoma: fine-needle aspiration cytologic finding
Mehrdad Herbert1, Michael Schvimer, Sergei Zehavi
1Department of Pathology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel. herbert12@37.com
Cancer
|August 20, 2003
Summary
Cytologic evaluation of breast hamartomas reveals characteristic features, including bland ductal cells and lobular units, aiding in diagnosis. These findings, while overlapping with other benign conditions, can help identify hamartomas, distinguishing them from malignant breast lesions.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Surgical Pathology
- Breast Imaging
Background:
- Breast hamartomas are rare, well-circumscribed breast lesions.
- The cytologic features of breast hamartomas are not well-documented.
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is standard for breast carcinoma detection but less clear for benign conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the cytologic characteristics of breast hamartomas.
- To compare FNA findings with histologic diagnoses.
- To assess the utility of FNA in diagnosing breast hamartomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of fine-needle aspirates from eight patients with confirmed breast hamartomas.
- Semi-quantitative evaluation of cytologic features.
- Comparison of cytologic findings with corresponding histologic results.
Main Results:
- Aspirates were moderately cellular, showing bland ductal cells and lobular units.
- Adipose tissue was present in variable amounts.
- Bipolar stromal nuclei were apparent; stromal fragments were less prominent. Cytologic atypia was absent.
Conclusions:
- Breast hamartoma cytology overlaps with other benign breast diseases and is unlikely to be misdiagnosed as malignant.
- Intact lobular units and sparse stroma in aspirates from circumscribed lesions may suggest hamartoma.
- FNA can contribute to the diagnosis of breast hamartomas.