CHARACTERIZATION OF TUBULAR ADENOMA OF BREAST - DIAGNOSTIC PROBLEM INFINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATES (FNAS)

FNA smears from six histologically documented cases of tubular adenoma of breast were critically analysed and compared with 10 histologicall y confirmed cases of fibroadenoma (five pericanalicular and five intra canalicular). Initially a cytological diagnosis of tubular adenoma was rendered only in one case. On review, two cases could be characterize d as tubular adenoma, while the findings were suggestive in two others . The features helpful in diagnosis of tubular adenoma were the presen ce of benign ductal cells as three-dimensional cohesive balls and tubu lar structures in highly cellular smears. Stroma was conspicuously sca nty or absent. Myoepithelial cells were present along with sheets of d uctal cells as well as bipolar naked nuclei. Confusion with fibroadeno ma occurred in two cases due to presence of a stag-horn pattern of duc tal cells.