Distinction of phyllodes tumor from fibroadenoma: Cytologists’ perspective

BACKGROUND: Fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumors may have similar cytological appearances. However, a detailed study of cytomorphology of stromal elements may be helpful in differentiation. AIM: To evaluate the cytological features of phyllodes tumor in our study with special reference to features that can help distinguishing it from fibroadenoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The archival materials of our hospital were searched from January 2006 to January 2009 for histopathologically-diagnosed cases of phyllodes tumor. The cases in which previous cytopathology smears were available were included in the study. The cytomorphology of 10 such cases were compared with 25 cytologically-diagnosed and histopathologically-confirmed cases of fibroadenoma. RESULTS: The size, cellularity of stromal fragments, and the proportion of spindle cells in the background are important features in such differentiation.