Core biopsy vs fine needle aspiration cytology in a symptomatic breast clinic.
OBJECTIVE
The adequacy of physical examination, mammography and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) (conventional triple assessment) in the diagnosis of breast cancer has been questioned. We have performed a prospective study directly comparing FNAC and core biopsy in our symptomatic breast clinic.


METHODS
Between 15/5/00 and 17/1/01, 330 consecutive patients with breast lumps were assessed by physical examination, ultrasound, and mammography if over 35 years, and FNAC and core biopsy with or without ultrasound guidance.


RESULTS
Three hundred and forty four specimens yielded the following FNAC and core biopsy results: C1-109, C2-144, C3-6, C4-17, C5-68; B1-97, B2-150, B3-7, B4-3, B5-87. The FNAC results corresponding to the 87 B5 samples were as follows: C1-5, C2-2, C3-0, C4-12, C5-68. All C5 samples were associated with a corresponding B5 result. All except one cancer in this series was diagnosed at a single clinic visit.


CONCLUSIONS
In this series, core biopsy diagnosed symptomatic breast cancer more accurately than FNAC.
Chuo
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CB
Breast Unit, County Hospital, Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust, Union Walk, Hereford, HR1 2ER, UK.
Corder
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AP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary