Robinson cytological grading in breast carcinoma and its correlation with histopathological grading: a five-year retrospective study

Authors

  • Khushboo Sinha Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Sudha Iyengar Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Reema Bhushan Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20261380

Keywords:

Breast carcinoma, FNAC, Robinson cytological grading, Cyto-histo concordance, Lymph node metastasis, Tumor aggressiveness, Histopathological grading

Abstract

Background: Tumor grading is essential for prognosis and treatment planning in breast cancer due to the tumors strong biological heterogeneity. Although histopathological grading is still considered the best method, cytological grading with fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) provides a short and non-invasive substitute.

Methods: There were 120 instances of breast cancer identified by FNAC with accessible matched histology in this five-year retrospective research. Modified Bloom-Richardson (Nottingham) (MBR) approach was used to evaluate histopathological grading, whereas Robinson's six-parameter scoring system was used for cytological grading.

Results: The majority of cytologically graded tumors (51.7%) were grade II, followed by grade III (33.3%) and grade I (15.0%). A similar pattern was seen in histopathological grading, with grade II (48.3%) predominating. There was a 72.5% overall cyto-histological concordance, with grade III tumors showing the best agreement (82.5%). As cytological grade increased, lymph node positivity rose from 16.7% in grade I to 75.0% in grade III. A delayed diagnosis was indicated by the majority of tumors (59.2%) measuring between 2 and 5 cm upon presentation.

Conclusions: Robinson's cytological grading method is a straightforward, repeatable, and useful preoperative prognostic tool that has a good connection with lymph node metastases and histological grading.

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Published

2026-04-29

How to Cite

Sinha, K., Iyengar, S., & Bhushan, R. (2026). Robinson cytological grading in breast carcinoma and its correlation with histopathological grading: a five-year retrospective study. International Journal of Clinical Trials, 13(2), 161–167. https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20261380

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Original Research Articles