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Feasibility and utility of using chromosomal aneusomy to further define the cytologic categories in nipple aspirate fluid specimens
Author(s) -
Krishnamurthy Savitri,
Zhao Lian,
Hayes Kimberly,
Glassman Armand B.,
Cristofanilli Massimo,
Singletary S. Eva,
Hunt Kelly K.,
Kuerer Henry M.,
Sneige Nour
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
cancer cytopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.20558
Subject(s) - cytology , medicine , fluorescence in situ hybridization , breast cancer , pathology , ductal carcinoma , cancer , atypia , aneuploidy , chromosome , biology , gene , genetics
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. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.