Exfoliative cytology in the diagnosis of breast disease

Abstract

A total of 393 nipple discharge or scrape smears from 360 women were examined cytologically over a 12-year period. Twenty-nine breast cancers (8 per cent) have been histologically confirmed in this group, of which 16 had malignant smear cytology (sensitivity 55 per cent). Nine patients with breast cancer and positive cytology had impalpable tumours. Two of these cancers were not detected by any other investigation. Thirteen patients with nipple discharge had false-negative cytology, but there were no false-positive results (specificity 100 per cent). All patients with expressible or spontaneous nipple discharges and those with skin changes at the nipple should undergo examination of cytological smears.

Benign breast disorders: rural Punjab population study compared with urban population studies

“…These results are consistent with those of many a studies conducted by Out AA, Ihekwaba, Chaudhary et al, Navin et al, Khanzada et al [6][7][8][9][10] However a few studies like Dunn et al contradict these results in which mean age of BBD patients was 50 years. 11 In our study fibroadenoma was the most common BBD seen in 50% of the total patients. It was at its peak (44%) in 25-40 years age group, while 36% of fibroadenomas were seen in <25 years age group.…”

Breast duct microendoscopy in nipple discharge: microbrush improves cytology

“…Our data show that the microbrush increases the sensitivity of cytology significantly. Various techniques have been used to collect cytology samples from mammary ducts, including intraductal biopsy using a needle [9], ductal lavage [4], and nipple aspirate [6]. These tests are minimally invasive and well tolerated [1].…”

Evaluating Nipple Discharge

“…The sensitivity of cytology in the evaluation of nipple discharge for malignancy is very low in the absence of blood, although a positive cytology, is highly predictive of cancer (14)(15)(16)(17). If there is an underlying carcinoma, 80% of patients will show positive cytologic results of the nipple discharge.…”