We reviewed our experience with 9,726 cases of fine-needle aspiration cytology of the breast that were done from January 1983 to February 1992. During our review, we found that 214 aspirates had been submitted from pregnant and lactating women for the investigation of breast mass(es). Despite a variable clinical presentation and spectrum of cytologic findings, we considered the application of aspiration cytology in these women as useful as in the nonpregnant-nonlactating women for management decision. A team approach between the clinician and cytopathologist was always maintained; with this approach, the false-positive or -negative diagnoses were reduced to almost nil. In all cases in which the cytodiagnosis of carcinoma of breast was made, the findings corresponded with subsequent cell blocks from the aspirate and tissue examination. Benign lesions were diagnosed cytologically with minimal difficulty, and all aspirates that were less than optimal for cytodiagnosis were repeated to minimize the chance of missing an abnormality. All the benign lesions were followed throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and thereafter; if the mass persisted, the aspiration was repeated. With this protocol of follow-up, the need for a customary liberal surgical biopsy was reduced to a minimum.

During a ten year period, since we introduced needle aspiration cytology at our institution, we have diagnosed five cases of umbilical metastasis (Sister Mary Joseph's nodule). In none of the cases was any false negative or false positive diagnosis rendered and the primary carcinoma was found below the diaphragm. In all the five cases, cell blocks of the aspirate were subsequently prepared, and highlighted the histologic features of the tumour which corresponded with the cytologic diagnosis. Immunohistochemical staining on the aspirate material in all the cases was considered quite useful in substantiating the cytohistologic diagnosis. Based on our findings, we suggest that fine-needle aspiration cytology as an initial diagnostic procedure in cases suspected of umbilical metastasis should be considered, since it is not only a simple, fast, accurate, and inexpensive diagnostic procedure, but can also save the patient from an invasive surgical procedure, the benefit of which is questionable.

A case of Sister Mary Joseph's nodule (umbilical metastasis) is described from a primary adenocarcinoma of the transverse colon. Needle aspiration cytology made the diagnosis which was confirmed by immunocytochemical localization of CEA, B72.3, EMA, and cytokeratin in the tumour cells. Extensive mucus production in the tumour cells was demonstrated by alcian blue and mucicarmine stains.

The cytopathological appearances of 14 cases of apocrine breast carcinoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology are described and the features compared to those seen in apocrine cells aspirated from benign cystic and solid lesions. Significant atypia must be observed before a diagnosis of apocrine carcinoma can be entertained.