Scanning electron microscopic analysis of breast aspirates

Scanning electron microscopic analysis (SEM) of 50 pre-selected breast aspirates was performed after light microscopy and cytomorphological evaluation. SEM analysis of these aspirates revealed the presence of microvilli (mv), microprojections, blebs and irregular contours in malignant cells. Benign cells were regular, globular and smooth. SEM provided additional morphologic data which if used in conjunction with light microscopy can assist in reaching a correct diagnosis.