The value of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology of the breast: 354 cases with cytohistological correlation.
BACKGROUND
Fine-needle aspiration cytology has a high rating in the assessment of breast lesions in many countries. We want to present the results of close cooperation between experienced radiologists and cytopathologists in the diagnosis of breast lesions.


METHODS
Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from 354 breast lesions assessed under ultrasound guidance were analysed retrospectively. Results from histological and clinical follow-up were compared to cytological results.


RESULTS
Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, false-positive and false-negative fraction of FNAC were 90%, 100%, 100%, 90.0%, 0% and 4.63%, respectively. In comparison to other tests, FNAC proved to be a valuable tool to diagnose breast lesions. The "triple test", based on the combination of clinical, imaging and cytological findings, demonstrated increased sensitivity compared to single tests.


CONCLUSIONS
Summarizing, FNAC is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of breast lesions, especially as a part of the triple test. The method is inexpensive, not invasive and can provide a definitive and correct diagnosis for the majority of breast lesions.
Kamphausen
Bettina H
BH
Department of Cytopathology, Georg-August-University, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany.
Toellner
Thilo
T
Ruschenburg
Ilka
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary