Summary
Aims: To study the cytological features of breast lesions associated with hydrophilic polyacrylamide gel (PAAG) injection augmentation mammoplasty and to determine the specific diagnostic features.
Methods: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology smears from 14 patients who presented with breast lump and a clinical history of PAAG injection were reviewed. The staining properties of the PAAG material in Papanicolaou (Pap), Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Diff-Quik stains, as well as the cellular background, were studied. Cell blocks were also studied with H&E, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), periodic acid-Schiff with diastase digestion (PASD) and mucicarmine (MC) stains.
Results: PAAG was stained consistently pinkish with a homogenous smooth texture on H&E (100%), polychromasia on Pap (100%) and magenta violet with bubbly vacuoles on Diff-Quik (100%). Half (7) of the cases showed sharp borders. The presence of foreign body type giant cells with histiocytes (5 cases, 36%) and scanty clusters of benign ductal cells (4 cases, 29%) were seen in the background of a minority of the cases. PAAG was represented by blocks of homogenous grey-purplish acellular material with a sharp border on cell block sections, which were negative for PAS, PASD and MC.
Conclusion: PAAG shows a consistent staining pattern in various common cytological staining preparations. Blocks of acellular gelatinous material, stained homogenous pinkish on H&E, polychromasia on Pap and magenta violet with bubbly vacuoles on Diff-Quik, are the reliable cytological features of PAAG.
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