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Histologic changes in the breast after fine-needle aspiration
The American Journal of Surgical Pathology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the breast can cause significant morphologic changes. These changes, including necrosis and benign implantation, may complicate diagnosis in subsequent breast excision specimens.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Surgical Oncology
- Diagnostic Cytology
Background:
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a common initial diagnostic procedure for breast lesions.
- Morphologic changes induced by FNAB in subsequent excision specimens are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and characterize the secondary morphologic changes in breast tissue following FNAB.
- To assess the diagnostic implications of these FNAB-induced changes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 184 consecutive breast excision specimens with a history of FNAB.
- Histopathological examination to identify and classify FNAB-related changes.
Main Results:
- 9.2% of specimens showed changes attributable to FNAB.
- Observed changes included extensive necrosis, hemorrhage, hemosiderin deposition, and benign epithelial implantation.
- Benign implantation mimicked invasive carcinoma histologically.
Conclusions:
- FNAB can induce significant changes that may complicate the diagnosis of subsequent breast excision specimens.
- Extensive necrosis and benign epithelial implantation are rare but diagnostically challenging findings post-FNAB.