Fine-needle aspiration cytology of sclerosing adenosis of the breast: A retrospective review of cytologic features in conjunction with corresponding histologic features and radiologic findings

We retrospectively reviewed 25 fine-needle aspiration cases of sclerosing adenosis of the breast in conjunction with histologic features of the paired core-needle biopsy and radiologic findings. The original cytologic diagnoses were benign (n = 19), focally atypical (n = 3), and suspicious for carcinoma (n = 3). The frequent features, although not specific, were low-to-moderate cellularity, bland epithelial cells that focally formed cohesive groups/tubules or occasionally discohesive clusters or individual cells, and fragments of dense fibrous stroma. Some tubules had an angulated configuration. Myoepithelial cells were present in all cases but were scant or absent in small epithelial groups. These cytologic features closely reflected the histologic appearances (ie, compressed and attenuated tubules and sclerotic stroma), but may cause overinterpretation on cytologic smears, especially when angulated tubules, discohesive or individual epithelial cells, scanty myoepithelial cells, and nuclear atypia are noted concurrently. Familiarity with its cytologic features may prevent false-positive diagnosis. Histologic confirmation is recommended for difficult cases.