Cytologic findings of a pleomorphic adenoma of the breast: a case report

BACKGROUND: Pleomorphic adenoma of the breast is a rare benign tumor. Only a few cases have been reported. The histologic features have been described well. However, the cytologic findings have been described in only a few papers. CASE: A 47-year-old female presented with a left breast mass of several months' duration. The clinical and mammographic findings were highly suspicious for malignancy. Following an aspiration biopsy diagnosis of "positive for malignancy," the mass was excised. The histologic diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma (mixed tumor of salivary gland type) rather than carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The cytologic presentation of pleomorphic adenoma of the breast can masquerade as that of a malignant tumor, in this case colloid carcinoma. This case delineates the cytomorphologicfeatures of pleomorphic adenoma, which may mimic carcinoma.