Fine-needle sampling of a case of carcinoma of the breast with neuroendocrine differentiation

Diagn Cytopathol. 1996 May;14(3):233-7. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0339(199604)14:3<233::AID-DC7>3.0.CO;2-I.

Abstract

Fine-needle sampling was performed in a woman with a left breast lump. The cytologic diagnosis was consistent with a poorly-differentiated carcinoma. Cytologic features included medium-to-large, round, and spindle-shaped cells with scanty cytoplasm, nuclear molding, and rosette-like structures. Histology revealed an endocrine pattern. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for epithelial and neuroendocrine markers, and electron microscopy showed many small membrane-bound electron-dense granules, confirming the diagnosis of breast carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. DNA flow cytometry and cytogenetic analyses revealed a near-tetraploid tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Karyotyping
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / genetics
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology*
  • Polyploidy