Utility of fine-needle aspiration cytology in diagnosis of rare breast malignancy-mucinous carcinoma with lymph node metastasis

Abstract

Mucinous carcinoma (MC) of the breast is a rare, malignant tumor accounting for 2% of all breast cancers with better prognosis, usually seen in postmenopausal women with only 0%–4% lymph node metastasis. Cytologic findings of MC overlap with other benign and malignant breast lesions making the cytodiagnosis challenging. Here, we report two cases of MC of the breast in reproductive age females and one case showed axillary lymph node metastasis. A 30-year-old female presented with firm, nontender lump in the right breast of 8 months' duration, measured 3 cm × 2 cm with palpable right axillary lymph nodes. A 28-year-old female presented with firm, nontender lump in the left breast of 7 months' duration, measured 6 cm × 5 cm. Cytologically, one case diagnosed as MC with lymph node metastasis and other case reported as MC; subsequently, both cases confirmed by histopathology, thus highlighting the role of fine-needle aspiration cytology in diagnosis of MC.

Keywords

• Breast
• lymph node metastasis
• mucinous carcinoma