Malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast - A report of seven cases diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytology

BACKGROUND, Metastases to the breast from extramammary primary tumors are uncommon. Malignant melanoma is one of the most common neoplasms to secondarily involve the mammary parenchyma. METHODS. Seven cases of malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy are presented. RESULTS. The cytologic findings of malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast usually are straightforward on aspiration cytology. However, knowledge of a prior history of melanoma is crucial to make an accurate diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS. Malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast can be diagnosed reliably by fine-needle aspiration cytology, thus avoiding radical and unnecessary surgery. (C) 1998 American Cancer Society.