title: Feasibility and utility of using chromosomal aneusomy to further define the cytologic categories in nipple aspirate fluid specimens: a preliminary study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is renewed interest in using the cytologic changes in the epithelial cells obtained from specimens such as nipple aspiration fluid (NAF) and ductal lavage for risk stratification of women at increased risk for developing breast carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Molecular tests such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have the potential to be used as adjuncts to conventional cytology for more accurately categorizing cells in these types of specimens. The current study investigated the feasibility and utility of FISH analysis of aneusomy in chromosomes 1, 8, 11 and 17 as an adjunct to conventional cytology in the classification of NAF specimens.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The authors found chromosomal aneusomy for at least one chromosome in all three malignant and both markedly atypical cases. Of the five cases classified as being mildy atypical on cytology, four were disomic, and only one showed aneusomy in chromosomes 8 and 11.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current study established the possibilities, limitations, and feasibility of using FISH in conjunction with routine cytology for a more accurate classification of ductal epithelial cells in NAF specimens. FISH-based detection of chromosomal aneusomy helped to define mild atypia, thereby aiding in the selection of the truly atypical cases for appropriate therapeutic intervention. In addition, FISH-based detection of chromosomal aneusomy can also be a valuable adjunct to conventional cytology in selected cases for confirming a benign, suspicious, or malignant diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cytopathology, Unit 53, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA. skishna@mdanderson.org
authors.forename: Savitri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Krishnamurthy
authors.forename: Lian
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Kimberly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Armand B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Glassman
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cristofanilli
authors.forename: S Eva
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Singletary
authors.forename: Kelly K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.forename: Henry M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Kuerer
authors.forename: Nour
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sneige
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D002878:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1 / Q000235:genetics; D002880:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11 / Q000235:genetics; D002886:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 / Q000235:genetics; D002898:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8 / Q000235:genetics; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D042361:Mammary Glands, Human / Q000166:cytology* / Q000473:pathology*; D009558:Nipples / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies