Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma of the breast. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma of the breast is associated with aggressive behavior.


METHODS
Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed on a breast lump in a 55-year-old woman. The aspirates showed highly pleomorphic, large cells in a dyscohesive pattern, with a tendency of few cells to aggregate in small groups. A diagnosis of ductal carcinoma was made on cytology. On histology, the paraffin sections showed features of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma of the breast.


CONCLUSIONS
The cytologic features of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma overlap with those of infiltrating ductal carcinoma. It is very difficult to make a diagnosis of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma prospectively on cytology. However, if Indian file arrangement and cytoplasmic vacuolation are present, pleomorphic lobular carcinoma must at least be suggested for the differential diagnosis as it has different clinical implications.
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000175:diagnosis; D018275:Carcinoma, Lobular / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000473:pathology; D048429:Cell Size; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D008938:Mitosis; D014617:Vacuoles / Q000473:pathology