Correlation between cytological and histological grading of breast cancer and its role in prognosis

Abstract

Aims: The present study was undertaken to grade breast carcinoma on cytology by Robinson’s grading system and correlate it with Elstons modified Bloom Richardson histological grading system.Assigning grade to breast cancer on FNAC provides prognostic information and guides optimal therapy. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study done on fifty cases of breast cancer reported on cytology.Thirty four patients who underwent FNAC and mastectomy for breast carcinoma were cytologically and histologically graded. Correlation between cytological and histological grading system was determined. Sensitivity and specificity of Robinson’s cytological grading system was calculated in each grade. Results: Concordance rate between cytological and histological grade was 86% . The coefficient of correlation between cytological grade and histological grade was 0.879 and P value was 0.001 which indicated a strong correlation and significant association between the cytological and histological grade. Sensitivity was maximum in cytological grade I and grade III tumors ( 100 %) and least in cytological grade II tumors ( 71.42%). Specificity was maximum in cytological grade II tumors ( 100%) and least in cytological grade I and III tumors ( 93.75%). Conclusions: Cytological grade strongly predicts histological grade and is useful in selecting neoadjuvant chemotherapy.