title: Accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in diagnosis of palpable breast masses: two-year results of a university-affiliated community hospital.
abstract: Fifty-eight solid breast masses in 57 patients were subjected to fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and the results of cytologic analysis and histologic diagnosis were compared. The sensitivity was 79.2%, specificity, 85.3%, and accuracy, 82.8%. These results are within the range of those in the medical literature. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a useful adjunct in the management of palpable breast masses in the community hospital setting. Our data, however, do not support its use alone as a screening tool. Excisional biopsy or close clinical follow-up remains essential for evaluation and management of palpable breast masses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Kennedy Memorial Hospitals-University Medical Center, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Benedetto
authors.forename: V G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Allora
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Wyatt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000592:standards*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010173:Palpation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity