Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the breast in a case with abundant acellular calcific material indicative of soft-tissue calcinosis

Abstract

Since calcific deposits in soft tissue may clinically resemble a tumor, it is feasible to investigate them by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. In this presentation we describe a case in the breast with extensive accumulation of acellular liquid calcific material which was sampled by the noninvasive technique of FNA, and which was indicative of nonfamilial soft‐tissue calcinosis. A 48‐yr‐old, perimenopausal woman on a routine mammogram showed a well‐defined, 1‐cm partially cystic opacity in the left upper quadrant of the breast. All other investigations were normal, and no significant family or medical history was present. Under ultrasound guidance FNA was done, and about 1 ml of thick whitish fluid was obtained. Cytopreparations only showed abundant acellular calcium. The patient refused any further treatment and elected to be under the care of her family physician, according to whom she was clinically well with no changes in mammograms for the last 2 yr. The case is interesting, since the cytohistologic findings in aspirate sample appeared to be strongly indicative of soft‐tissue calcinosis, which to our knowledge has not been previously reported. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2000;22:30–32. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Aspiration cytodiagnosis of the breast with abundant acellular calcific material indicative of soft tissue calcinosis (a study of 3 cases)

“…In the cases presented here, we strongly felt that the abundant acellular calcium most likely indicated features mimicking soft tissue calcinosis. This was also recently suggested by us in a single case report 1 . However, this diagnosis may be questioned by some, due to the fact that calcium in the fibrocystic process and other lesions such as a fibroadenoma occurs rarely.…”

“…In a recent communication from this laboratory we described a case in which a fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the breast showed abundant calcific material indicative of soft tissue calcinosis 1 . The case was shown to Dr Tilde S Kline of Philadelphia during her visit to our laboratory in January 1998; Dr Kline concurred with our diagnosis.…”