CYTOLOGY OF GLYCOGEN-RICH (CLEAR-CELL) CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST - A REPORT OF 2 CASES

BACKGROUND: Glycogen-rich (clear cell) carcinoma of the breast is an u nusual variant of bl east carcinoma that has been described only recen tly. CASES: We report two cases of glycogen-rich carcinoma with the co rresponding fine needle aspiration findings. Cytologically, the presen ce of a delicate/foamy to clear cytoplasm was the only feature identif ied to distinguish these tumors from the more common infiltrating duct carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Cytologically, the characteristics were not di stinctive enough to predict the clear cell nature of the tumor histolo gy. Other breast carcinomas that show optically clear cytoplasm includ e lipid-rich, secretory, histiocytoid and signet-ring carcinoma. Some cytologic features distinguish them from glycogen-rich carcinoma. Clin ical correlation would be required to exclude metastatic clear cell ca rcinoma from such primaries as the kidney.