Pitfalls in diagnosing specific subtypes of carcinoma breast on fine needle aspiration cytology: a report of two cases with review of literature

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a useful procedure that can be conveniently performed in the outpatient department (OPD) and can be used in the subtyping of breast carcinomas. However, some specific subtypes can cause a hindrance to that. We present two such cases, one of tubulolobular carcinoma breast and the other of squamous cell carcinoma breast that were missed on FNAC, and subsequently diagnosed on histopathology and by immunohistochemistry. A thorough knowledge of the cytological features of the subtypes and the use of immunocytochemistry can appropriately make FNAC a standard, accurate, and simple OPD procedure, thus helping us in arriving at specific diagnosis.