A study of fibroepithelial tumours of the breast

Cytological parameters were studied in 18 fibroepithelial tumours of the breast including 8 benign phyllodes, 1 malignant phyllodes, and 9 fibroadenomas between 1999 to 2001. Cytology smears were studied without knowledge of previous cytodiagnosis by 3 different observers. Histopathologic parameters were studied in 18 fibroepithelial tumours by 3 observers. Cyto-histological correlation was carried out. Cytological criteria by Chinoy et al (1999) were utilized to give revised cytodiagnosis. Initial cytodiagnosis and revised cytodiagnosis were correlated with histopathological diagnosis. 8/9 cases of fibroadenoma (88%) studied were correctly diagnosed on FNAC after semiquantitative team approach as opposite to 44% initial cytodiagnosis. Cytological distinction between benign phyllodes and fibroadenoma was improved after semiquantitative approach to various parameters. Diagnosis of malignant phyllodes posed no problems in cytodiagnosis. Present study supports the role of FNAC in distinguishing benign from malignant phyllodes and distinguishing fibroadenoma from phyllodes tumour. The latter being a rare fibroepithelial tumour, its study is interesting.