Cytologic diagnosis of two cases of male breast cancer

Cytologic examinations of two cases of male breast cancer were reported. Case 1. A 68-year-old male visited our hospital complaining of a discharge from the left nipple. The cytologic diagnosis of the nipple discharge was initially reported as negative. Because only one round cluster of tightly connected cells could be observed on these smears. As small tumor measured 0.5 cm in diameter was palpable, fine needle aspiration cytology was performed twice on this tumor. Aspirated smears showed rich cellularity that was loose in arrangement. But as cellular atypia was slight, we could not identify these cells as malignant. Case 2. A 73-year-old man visited our hospital for a check up after he became aware of breast mass. Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed on this mass. A large number of cell clusters were observed on the cytological smears. The clusters were round, oval or papillary in shape. These cell clusters were composed of cells with slightly cellular atypia that was irregularly overlapped. These cells could be diagnosed as malignant, and this was confirmed by the subsequent histologic report. In this case, during the clinical examination, a thyroid tumor was detected. This tumor was diagnosed as papillary carcinoma based on fine needle aspiration cytology. Histologically, this patient was confirmed to have a double cancer of the breast and thyroid.