MALIGNANT-MELANOMA METASTATIC TO THE BREAST - A REPORT OF 7 CASES DIAGNOSED BY FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY

BACKGROUND, Metastases to the breast from extramammary primary tumors are uncommon. Malignant melanoma is one of the most common neoplasms t o secondarily involve the mammary parenchyma. METHODS. Seven cases of malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast diagnosed by fine-needle a spiration biopsy are presented. RESULTS. The cytologic findings of mal ignant melanoma metastatic to the breast usually are straightforward o n aspiration cytology. However, knowledge of a prior history of melano ma is crucial to make an accurate diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS. Malignant me lanoma metastatic to the breast can be diagnosed reliably by fine-need le aspiration cytology, thus avoiding radical and unnecessary surgery. (C) 1998 American Cancer Society.