ASPIRATION BIOPSY CYTOLOGY OF TUBULAR CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST

Tubular carcinoma represents a rare, well-differentiated type of breas t malignancy, characterized by relatively unaggressive clinical behavi or. Cytologic diagnosis of this subgroup of tumors is considered diffi cult as cell population usually presents in tightly cohesive clusters and shows minimal atypia. Cytomorphologic features of 15 examples of h istologically proven pure tubular carcinomas of the breast are herein reported. If a constellation of morphologic criteria is critically eva luated, tubular carcinoma may be diagnosed on cytologic specimens. Asp iration biopsy cytology represents an optimal diagnostic tool in the p reoperative diagnosis of breast masses. Its application to the detecti on of this special type of breast carcinoma permits better planning of therapeutic procedures. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.