Case Report

Fine needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis of metastatic neoplasms of the breast. A three-case report

Garza-Guajardo Raquel, Mendez-Olvera Nora, Flores-Gutierrez Juan Pablo, Hernandez-Martinez Silvia, Candanosa-Mc Cann Michelle, Ancer-Rodriguez Jesús and Barboza-Quintana Oralia

Anatomical Pathology and Cytopathology department, University Hospital "Dr. José E.Gonzalez", UANL, Monterrey, Mexico

CytoJournal 2005, 2:17doi:10.1186/1742-6413-2-17

Published:	20 September 2005

Abstract

Metastases to the breast are unusual lesions that make up approximately 2% of all malignant mammary neoplasms and may mimic both benign and malignant primary neoplasms from a clinical point of view, as well as in imaging studies. Arriving at a correct diagnosis is therefore essential in order to establish appropriate management.

We present three cases of metastatic neoplasms diagnosed through fine needle aspiration biopsy and immunocytochemistry. The cytological diagnoses were: medulloblastoma in an 18-year-old woman, melanoma in a 26-year-old man, and an exceptional case of ovarian sarcoma originating from a granulosa cell tumor with metastases to both breasts. A metastatic disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a palpable mass in the breast, especially if there is a history of an extramammary malignant neoplasm. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is the method of choice for the management of these cases.

Whenever possible the exam of the material obtained should be compared to the previous biopsy, which is usually enough to arrive at a correct diagnosis, thus preventing unnecessary surgical procedures.