Feasibility and utility of using chromosomal aneusomy to further define the cytologic categories in nipple aspirate fluid specimens: a preliminary study.
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.
Krishnamurthy
Savitri
S
Department of Cytopathology, Unit 53, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA. skishna@mdanderson.org
Zhao
Lian
L
Hayes
Kimberly
K
Glassman
Armand B
AB
Cristofanilli
Massimo
M
Singletary
S Eva
SE
Hunt
Kelly K
KK
Kuerer
Henry M
HM
Sneige
Nour
N
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