Unique cytomorphologic features of Brenner tumor of the ovary: a case report

Breast carcinomas are very well known to metastasize to the ovary. Hence, it is justified to think of an ovarian mass, in a known case of breast carcinoma, as a metastasis from the same.

A 70-year-old woman underwent ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from a unilateral ovarian mass to confirm its nature. Cytosmears were highly cellular and showed cohesive clusters of small to intermediate-sized cells with bland nuclear chromatin and moderate cytoplasm in a background of mucinous material. A unique feature was the presence of microcystic spaces, around which the cells were arranged in an orderly fashion. Only occasional nuclear grooves were seen; however, they were helpful in suggesting the diagnosis of Brenner tumor. The subsequent histopathology specimen confirmed the diagnosis, with an excellent cytohistologic correlation.

There is very limited experience with the FNAC findings of this tumor, and it is usually a diagnostic dilemma for the cytopathologist. This case highlights certain unique cytomorphologic features that may aid in diagnosis on cytology alone.