Breast myeloma: a report of 3 cases with fine needle aspiration cytologic findings

Acta Cytol. 2005 Jul-Aug;49(4):445-8. doi: 10.1159/000326182.

Abstract

Background: Multiple myeloma of the breast is very rare, and the fine needle aspiration (FNA) findings have not been reported before.

Cases: Two cases of multiple myeloma presented with bilateral breast nodules during treatment with chemotherapy. One case of multiple myeloma presented initially with a left breast mass. FNA smears of all 3 cases revealed numerous plasma cells, plasmablasts and multinucleated giant plasma cells. The smears were diagnosed as plasma cell tumors. Serum immunoelectrophoresis revealed IgG myeloma in 2 cases and IgA myeloma in 1. Marrow aspirates revealed > 30% plasma cells. Two patients died, and 1 was alive at this writing.

Conclusion: The aspiration cytology findings of myeloma can be confuse, with primary and secondary tumors of the breast. The previous clinical history and ancillary studies, such as bone marrow study and serum immunoelectrophoresis, are essential to the correct diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / immunology
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoelectrophoresis
  • Mammography
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnostic imaging
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Plasmacytoma / diagnosis*
  • Plasmacytoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Plasmacytoma / pathology