Comparative Evaluation of Cytomorphological Robinson’s Grading with Elston and Ellis’ Nottingham Modified Bloom-Richardson Histopathological Grading of Breast Carcinoma: A Hospital-Based Study of 52 Cases

Background: Breast carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in women. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is routinely used as an initial investigation of choice in the rapid diagnosis of breast carcinoma. Among various cytological grading systems, Robinson’s grading is most commonly used for breast carcinoma. It provides information about prognosis and also helps in selecting therapy. The aim of this study is to correlate Robinson’s cytological grading with Bloom Richardson histological grading. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 52 cases of FNAC smears of breast carcinoma were graded according to the Robinson’s cytological grading system. Corresponding histology sections were graded according to the Elston and Ellis’ Nottingham modification of the Bloom Richardson method. Correlation between cytological and histological grading was done. Results: The maximum number of cases were in the age group of 41 to 50 years. Cytologically, 53.85% of cases were grade II, 38.46% were grade I, and 7.69% were grade III. Histologically, 50.00%, 44.23%, and 5.77% of cases were grade II, I, and III, respectively. The concordance rate between grade II tumors in cytology and histology was 71%; for grade I tumors, it was 70%; and for grade III tumors, it was 50%. The absolute concordance rate was 69.2%. Conclusion: Cytological grading of breast carcinoma is simple, feasible, and provides valuable prognostic information. The cytological grading method is comparable with the histologic grading system. It might provide information about the aggressiveness of the tumor and is a useful parameter in selecting neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast carcinoma.