Initial diagnosis of breast cancer via cytological examination of a pleural effusion: a rare event facilitated by recognition of an unusual morphological pattern.
It is uncommon for breast carcinoma to present as a malignant serous effusion. Here, we describe a case in which the initial diagnosis of an occult invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast was made via cytological examination of a pleural effusion. Recognition of a cribriform architecture with intraluminal necrosis and microcalcifications in a cell block preparation was critical in making that diagnosis. To our knowledge, this specific morphological pattern of breast carcinoma in a cell block preparation from an effusion has not been reported previously.
Gutmann
Edward J
EJ
Department of Pathology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA. Edward.J.Gutmann@Dartmouth.edu
Cates
Justin M M
JM
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000473:pathology; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications