Apocrine Metaplasia in Gynecomastia by Fine Needle Aspiration as a Possible Indicator of Anabolic Steroid Use

Gynecomastia

“…11 Fowler et al reported apocrine metaplasia in association with the usual cytologic findings of gynecomastia in two otherwise-healthy men receiving anabolic steroids. 10 Sneige et al reported apocrine metaplasia in 5.6% and foamy histiocytes in 22% of cytologic smears obtained from 45 patients with gynecomastia. 8 In our series of 100 patients with gynecomastia, apocrine metaplasia and foamy histiocytes were noted in 8% and 12% of the cases, respectively.…”

“…However, the presence of unusual cytologic features, such as increased cellularity, marked cellular atypia, apocrine metaplasia and foamy histiocytes, may cause diagnostic problems in male breast aspirates. [9][10][11] The literature on these uncommon findings of gynecomastia is sparse and sometimes controversial. As an example, some authors have reported apoVolume 45, Number 6/November-December 2001 chemotherapy, radiation therapy and anabolic drug abuse.…”