Malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast: a report of seven 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 to secondarily involve the mammary parenchyma.


METHODS
Seven cases of malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy are presented.


RESULTS
The cytologic findings of malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast usually are straightforward on aspiration cytology. However, knowledge of a prior history of melanoma is crucial to make an accurate diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast can be diagnosed reliably by fine-needle aspiration cytology, thus avoiding radical and unnecessary surgery.
Department of Pathology, New York University Medical Center, New York 10016, USA.
J
J
Cangiarella
W F
WF
Symmans
J M
JM
Cohen
A
A
Goldenberg
R L
RL
Shapiro
J
J
Waisman
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000556:secondary; D018567:Breast Neoplasms, Male / Q000473:pathology* / Q000556:secondary; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000556:secondary; D008875:Middle Aged