Liquid-based cytology in fine-needle aspiration of breast lesions: A review

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Gerhard, R (Author) Other; Fernando Schmitt (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Acta Cytologica

Vol. 58

Pages: 533-542

ISSN: 0001-5547

Publisher: Karger

Indexing

Scopus - 35 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-3RT

DOI: 10.1159/000362805

Abstract (EN): Objective: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a safe and cost-effective technique for the diagnosis of breast lesions, especially when correlated with clinical and imaging studies. However, the success of breast FNA is highly dependent on the adequate preparation of cytological conventional smears (CS). The liquid-based cytology (LBC) technique consists of an automated method for preparing thin-layer cytological samples from cell suspensions collected in alcohol-based preservative. LBC is designed to improve CS by avoiding limiting factors such as obscuring material, air-drying and smearing artifacts. Study Design: We performed a review of the published literature about LBC applied to breast FNA. Results: LBC preparations of breast aspirates demonstrated better cellular preservation, less cell overlapping and elimination of blood and excessive inflammation compared to CS. Conversely, alterations in architecture and cell morphology as well as loss of myoepithelial cells and stromal elements have been described in LBC specimens, requiring training before applying this technique for diagnosis. Studies have shown a similar accuracy between LBC and CS for the diagnosis of breast lesions. LBC also permits the use of residual material for ancillary tests, which is an important advantage compared to CS. Conclusions: LBC can be safely applied to breast FNA, showing a similar diagnostic accuracy to CS. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific