The study was conducted during the period of July 2003 to June 2005 in the Department of Surgery and Pathology, JNMCH, Aligarh. A total of 42 cases were included in the study. A minimum of 3 FNAC smears per case were assessed for cytophagocytosis. Presence of metastasis was also noted to establish the cytological grade and aggressiveness of the tumor.
Results:
Out of 42 cases, significant cannibalistic activity was noted in 30 (71.42%) cases. All grade III (33.4%) breast tumors were found positive for cytophagocytosis (4.28/smear), while the rate was much lower (2.33/smear) in grade II and (1.63/smear) in grade I tumors. LN metastasis was confirmed by histopathological examination in all high grade tumors showing significant cannibalistic activity.