Detection of Metastatic Breast Carcinoma Cells in Bone Marrow by Flow Cytometry

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Cytological, histological, and immunohistochemical techniques are routine laboratory tests for determining tumor subtypes. Over the past few years, laboratory diagnostic tests for breast cancer have become more complex, sophisticated, and specialized. This report describes the case of a young patient with metastatic breast cancer whose diagnosis was based on flow cytometric analysis of bone marrow aspirate. Flow cytometry showed to be an important tool in cancer diagnosis. Its application as a routine laboratory test for the diagnosis of solid tumors, such as breast cancer, can help provide fast results while increasing diagnostic coverage.