Prognostic value of breast cancer cytologic grading: a retrospective study of 213 cases

The authors evaluate 213 consecutive breast cancer cases with positive fine-needle aspiration cytology. Cytologic smears were reviewed and classified according to a grading system. A correlation between cytologic grading and pathological stage (T and N category) was observed. Univariate analysis of 5-yr overall survival rate showed a significant negative association with prognosis only for G3 (90%) compared to G1 (72%) cases. Such prognostic correlation was no longer significant at multivariate (Cox) analysis adjusting for potential confounders such as T or N categories. The prognostic value of cytologic grading is limited and dependent on other classic prognostic indicators that are currently determined in breast cancer patients. Its practical value is negligible, as it does not improve the prognostic judgment.