Publication: Utility of Micronucleus Study on Breast Cytology Smears
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Micronuclei (MN) are extranuclear chromatin bodies that arise due to chromosomal
breakage and serve as biomarkers of genomic instability. Their presence has been
linked to malignant transformation. Breast cytology offers a minimally invasive
method for early detection of breast lesions. Evaluating micronuclei in these smears
may enhance diagnostic accuracy by providing an additional objective parameter.
Objective
To compare the MN score in benign and malignant epithelial neoplasms of the breast
as well as compare it within different grades of breast carcinomas.
Method
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted including epithelial breast
neoplasms over a period of three years from February, 2021 to February, 2024. May–
Grünwald–Giemsa (MGG) and Papanicolaou stained cytology smears of cases whose
biopsy sample was also received in department of Pathology were included after
ethical approval from institutional review committee. Micronuclei were identified
based on established criteria and scored in 1,000 epithelial cells per case. The
micronuclei frequency was compared across cytologically diagnosed benign and
malignant lesions proven histopathologically. Statistical analysis was performed to
evaluate significance.
Result
The mean micronuclei score was significantly higher in malignant smears compared
to benign lesions (p < 0.05). A progressive increase in micronuclei frequency was
observed from grade 1 to grade 3 amongst the malignant category.
Conclusion
Micronuclei scoring on breast cytology smears is a simple, cost-effective and
potentially reliable marker of malignancy. It can serve as a useful adjunct in routine
cytological evaluation, and also help in predicting the grade of malignancy.
KEY WORDS
Breast, Chromosomal instability, Neoplasm
Description
Shrestha O, Baral R, Tiwari A
Department of Pathology
Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital
Biratnagar, Nepal
Keywords
Breast, Chromosomal instability, Neoplasm