Study of multivacuolated (Globoid) cells in the aspirate of apocrine carcinoma of the breast, with special reference to histochemical and electron microscopic findings

A case of so called multivacuolated (Globoid) cell apocrine carcinoma of the breast is described in which the diagnosis was suggested by needle aspiration cytology. It is questionable whether this tumor should be regarded as a distinct subtype, in view of the differences in reported incidence and diagnostic criteria quoted. The needle aspiration cytology, histochemistry and ultrastructural features of such a tumor are presented. Since our special stains showed that the nature of the globoid vacuolated cells was more consistent with a resemblance to the foamy macrophages that are frequently found in aspirates of the breast and since it does not help to clarify the existing confusion in the definitions, it is felt that the recently coined term of apocrine breast carcinoma with multivacuolated, lipid-rich giant (globoid) cells is not justified at this time.