[Cytodiagnosis in irradiated breast cells--its value and pitfalls]

Morphologic changes in glandular epithelium of the breast after quadrantectomy of the breast carcinoma and radiotherapy are described. The aim of the study was to establish the possibilities of cytologic assessment of morphological changes in palpable lesions in the residual breast tissue. Fine needle aspirates of 50 patients after surgery and radiotherapy of the breast carcinoma were analyzed. Biopsy and pathohistologic verification were performed in 12 patients. Carcinoma was cytologically found and confirmed pathohistologically in two cases. Recurrence was pathohistologically confirmed in 3/10 (33.3%) cytologically suspect aspirates, while in the remaining 7/10 (66.7%) suspect findings benign changes were established (2 mild ductal proliferations, 2 florid ductal proliferations, 3 cases of adenosis). The patients were followed-up clinically and cytomorphologically. No relapse was noted in the follow up period. Although its role is limited, fine needle aspiration cytology is useful in the assessment and follow-up of palpable changes after irradiation. A cytologist should be informed on whether and when a patient underwent irradiation. The finding of the changed cell after the period without changes points to the relapse of the disease.