CYTOLOGIC DIAGNOSIS OF SIGNET-RING CELL-CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST

OBJECTIVE: To Examine the cytologic features of signet-ring cell carci noma (SRCC), defined as carcinoma dominated by signet-ring cells, of t he breast and to discuss problems that occur in cytodiagnosis. STUDY D ESIGN: Five cases of SRCC of the breast were examined cytopathological ly. Signet-ring cells were subclassified into intracytoplasmic lumina (ICL) type and non-ICL type. ICL type had large ICL containing mucin. Non-ICL-type cells had wide, amorphous cytoplasm diffusely dispersed w ith mucin. RESULTS: In cases 1 and 2, fine needle aspiration biopsy (F NAB) revealed many signet-ring cells (non-ICL type), suggesting SRCC. Histologic diagnoses were ductal SRCC containing many signet-ring cell s (non-ICL type). In cases 3 and 4, signet-ring cells (ICL type) were found sporadically among carcinoma cells without signet-ring features. Signet-ring cells were not regarded as the major component of the cel ls; thus, the cytologic diagnoses were lobular carcinoma, not otherwis e specified. Pathologic diagnoses were lobular SRCC. Signet-ring cells were mostly ICL type. In case 5, most carcinoma cells on the smears s howed signet-ring features (non-ICL type), suggesting SACC. The histol ogic diagnosis was lobular SRCC, and signet-ring cells were mostly non -ICL type. CONCLUSION: Ductal SRCC yielded move cellular smears as com pared with lobular SRCC; therefore, cytologic diagnosis was easier in the former.