Preoperative Diagnosis of Tubular Adenoma of Breast – 10 years of experience

BACKGROUND: Tubular adenomas are rare benign neoplasms of female breast affecting women, predominantly of child-bearing age group. Definitive diagnosis of this tumor is usually achieved after histopathological study. Clinical, radiological, and even cytological features are often insufficient for accurate diagnosis. AIM: The aim of the present study was planned to analyze clinical and radiological features of histologically confirmed cases of tubular adenoma of breast to find out a clue for accurate preoperative cytological diagnosis. Materials and Methods: In our 10-year research program, all histologically confirmed tubular adenoma cases of breast were studied. Clinico-radio-cytological features, if available, were analyzed and tabulated. RESULTS: Thirty-three cases of tubular adenoma of breast were studied. Radiological and cytological assessments are available for 12 and 26 cases, respectively. Tubular adenoma could be diagnosed in only two cases (7.7%) by cytological assessment, but in none by radiological assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Clinico-cyto-radiological assessment could identify the benign nature of the tumors in most cases, but final confirmation was possible only after histopathological study.