Stereotactic fine-needle aspiration cytology of nonpalpable breast lesions: an analysis of 258 consecutive aspirates.
BACKGROUND
The role of stereotactic fine-needle aspiration cytology (SFNAC) in the diagnosis of nonpalpable breast lesions is poorly defined.


METHODS
Data were prospectively collected from 225 consecutive patients with nonpalpable breast lesions who had aspiration cytology followed by immediate surgical excision.


RESULTS
Between 1988 and 1993, 258 such procedures were performed. The results of 84 (33%) were interpreted as benign, 84 (33%) as atypical, 28 (11%) as suspicious for malignancy, and 49 (19%) as malignant. In all, 88 (34%) surgical specimens were malignant. SFNAC had an 80% sensitivity, a 96% specificity, a 91% positive predictive value, and an 89% negative predictive value. There were 18 false-negative and 7 false-positive aspirates.


CONCLUSIONS
SFNAC for diagnosing nonpalpable breast lesions is moderately sensitive and highly specific, and has a high positive and negative predictive value. In conjunction with mammography and clinical assessment, the procedure is useful for determining which patients with nonpalpable breast lesions may require surgical biopsy.
Sarfati
M R
MR
Department of Surgery, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson.
Fox
K A
KA
Warneke
J A
JA
Fajardo
L L
LL
Hunter
G C
GC
Rappaport
W D
WD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity