“Krukenberg spindle” are seen in –
**Core Concept**
Krukenberg spindle refers to a characteristic histopathological finding seen in certain types of breast cancer, particularly in invasive lobular carcinoma. It is a result of the desmoplastic reaction to the tumor cells, leading to the deposition of collagen and the formation of a spindle-shaped appearance under microscopic examination.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Krukenberg spindle is a manifestation of the body's attempt to contain and isolate the tumor cells. In invasive lobular carcinoma, the tumor cells infiltrate the stroma, triggering a desmoplastic response. This response involves the activation of fibroblasts, which produce excess collagen, leading to the characteristic spindle-shaped appearance. The presence of Krukenberg spindle is a diagnostic clue for invasive lobular carcinoma, which is often difficult to distinguish from other types of breast cancer.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because Krukenberg spindle is not associated with fibroadenomas, which are benign breast tumors that do not typically elicit a desmoplastic response.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because Krukenberg spindle is not a feature of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that does not invade the surrounding stroma.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because Krukenberg spindle is not a characteristic finding in mucinous carcinoma of the breast, which is a rare type of breast cancer that typically presents with a distinct histological appearance.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The presence of Krukenberg spindle in a breast biopsy specimen should prompt the pathologist to consider invasive lobular carcinoma as a possible diagnosis. This is particularly important in cases where the tumor cells are difficult to identify or where the histological appearance is atypical.
**Correct Answer:** D.