Stereologic estimates of volume-weighted mean nuclear volume in aspiration smears of ductal breast carcinoma. Correlation with cytologic grade, tumor size and lymph node status.

Objective: To estimate cytologic volume-weighted mean nuclear volume and correlate it with other prognostic factors, such as tumor diameter and cytologic grading in relation to nodal infiltration.

Study Design: The relationships between nodal status and nuclear VV, tumor diameter and cytologic grading, according to the modified Black nuclear grading system, were analyzed on fine needle aspirates of 49 cases of breast cancer by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results: Volume-weighted mean nuclear volume (nuclear VV) estimated on fine needle aspiration smears showed a significant correlation with grade of tumor differentiation.

Conclusion: Stereologic evaluation of nuclear size by nuclear VV is an objective method for the cytologic grading of ductal carcinoma of the breast and has independent prognostic value in relation to nodal status higher than those of tumor diameter and cytologic grade.