Cytologic features and differential diagnosis in chondroma of the breast: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Extraskeletal (soft tissue) chondromas are rare neoplasms. They are seen most frequently in the soft tissues of hands and feet. A chondroma occurring in the breast is exceedingly uncommon. We present a case of pure chondroma of the breast in a young woman in whom fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytologic features suggested a cartilaginous neoplasm.


METHODS
A 28-year-old woman presented with a mobile lump in the left breast. Mammography showed a high-density nodule without microcalcifications. A clinical diagnosis of fibroadenoma was made. A differential diagnosis was obtained on FNA. Excisional biopsy of the lump showed the histopathologic features of chondroma. There was no recurrence or appearance of new lesion during 13 months of follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Chondroma of the breast shows FNA cytologic features of cartilaginous tumor, but specific tumor typing may not be possible. This case highlights the difficulties that may arise in FNA diagnosis of cartilaginous tumor especially when it occurs at an unusual site. Awareness of the cytologic features combined with clinical and radiologic findings should guide the cytopathologist to make correct diagnosis of this neoplasm.
Sivakumar
Sivaselvam
S
Department of Pathology, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. sivahisto68@yahoo.co.in
Kaur
Gurjeet
G
D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000175:diagnosis; D000328:Adult; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary; D002812:Chondroma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D018226:Fibroadenoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome