Imprint cytology of needle core-biopsy specimens of breast lesion: is it best of both worlds?
The concept and working of one-stop breast clinic has been evolving over the last 10 years. With more frequent use of core biopsy by the dedicated breast units, one-stop results service cannot be provided. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of the use of imprint cytology of the core-biopsy specimens of breast lesions in a one-stop setting, in order to spare patients pain and suffering of a needle test without anaesthetic while retaining the advantages of availability of greater pathological characteristics of tumours by core biopsy. Forty-one consecutive core-biopsy specimens from symptomatic patients who underwent free hand or ultrasound-guided core biopsies of the suspected breast lesion were rolled on a glass slide to obtain imprint cytology. The cytological reporting was done independent of histological reporting of core biopsy. Overall concordance between imprint cytology and histology was 90%. For imprint cytology overall sensitivity was 91% and specificity was 89%. The positive predictive value was 97% and negative predictive value was 73%. Imprint cytology was found to be a quick, reliable and effective way of diagnosing breast lesions in breast clinic.
Carmichael
A R
AR
The Princess Royal Hospital, Lewes Road, Hayward Heath, UK. homepac@doctors.org.uk
Berresford
A
A
Sami
A
A
Boparai
R
R
D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D003584:Cytological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling