Imprint as a reliable diagnostic tool in breast cancer and possible usefulness for research purposes

Objective

The aim in breast cancer treatment is to provide the correct diagnosis with minimal delay that makes it possible to immediately plan further treatment with the patient. In addition, the imprint method can be used to make a diagnosis on material that will be snap-frozen for future research purposes.

Method

Imprints are made by gently pushing the core biopsy to a coated glass slide, and then air-drying and staining with Diff-Quick. The diagnosis is usually made within 5 min.

Results

Of 51 imprints, 15 were diagnosed as carcinoma. Histology confirmed carcinoma in 13. The two apparent false positives turned out to be cancer on further investigation. Two of the imprints were given a benign diagnosis; both turned out to be invasive lobular carcinoma. The rest of the imprints that were given a benign diagnosis were all confirmed as benign on histology.

Conclusions

There was no true false positive diagnosis, but there were two false negatives, both invasive lobular carcinoma. Imprint of core biopsies is a reliable cytological method for diagnosing invasive ductal carcinoma in breast. The diagnosis is reached within minutes and treatment can be planned without delay, which ensures optimal patient care. In addition, this method can be used to establish a diagnosis on material that will be snap-frozen for future research purposes.