title: Comparative value of aspiration cytology in the diagnostic evaluation of breast masses.
abstract: For 38 consecutive patients presenting with breast masses we compared accuracy of diagnosis, before biopsy, of the techniques of clinical examination, bilateral xeromammography, and aspiration cytology with a 10-cc syringe and a 22-gauge needle. Of the 38 patients, nine had carcinoma and 29 had benign breast disease. The overall diagnostic accuracy showed a perfect correlation between aspiration cytology and subsequent biopsy for carcinoma in this group. Clinical impression made the correct diagnosis in 89.5% of the cases and bilateral xeromammography produced the correct diagnosis in 84.9%. Both clinical impression and mammography were incorrect in diagnosing 33.3% of the malignancies. The technique of cytologic aspiration is a simple, accurate, and effective adjunct to the early diagnosis and treatment of carcinoma of the breast, and this should become a part of the initial evaluation of the patient who presents with a breast mass.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014984:Xeromammography