Objective:

Granulomatous mastitis is a benign disorder which closely mimics malignancy clinico-radiologically. A simple and cost effective modality like fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can help in prompt diagnosis and avoid unnecessary surgery.

Material and Methods:

A retrospective study where data were collected for granulomatous lesions of the breast diagnosed by histopathology in a five year period and review of FNAC slides. Cases positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis either on ZN stain or Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fungus were excluded. A total of 8 cases were included in our study for analysis.

Results:

All the cases showed the presence of granuloma composed of epithelioid histiocytes against a background of giant cells, polymorphs with absence of necrosis.

Conclusion:

Cytological diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis is difficult as it overlaps with other etiologies like tuberculosis which is prevalent in this part of the world. However, with the use of ancillary techniques like PCR and negative microbiological investigations, a definitive diagnosis can be made.

Keywords: Granulomatous mastitis, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)