title: Benign pairs: a significant entity in aspiration cytology smears from breast lesions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a reliable diagnostic tool used to diagnose breast lesions preoperatively. However, FNAC is also associated with diagnostic pitfalls. Further studies are needed to improve its diagnostic efficacy. We noticed ovoid, bare nuclei arranged in closely touching diads (benign pairs) in a significant number of cytology smears. This prompted us to assess their diagnostic utility.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective study conducted in Sarojini NaiduMedical College, Agra, India. Quantitative estimation of benign pairs per 1000 ductal cells in at least 20 high power field was attempted in cytology smears of 128 cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average number of pairs in benign and malignant lesions was calculated as 7.07 + 5.96 and 0.28 + 0.78, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the number of pairs in benign and malignant cases (P < 0.0005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Quantitative estimation of benign pairs is helpful in distinguishing benign from malignant cases.
authors: Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre, Moradabad, India. ; Department of Pathology, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra, India.
authors: Monika
authors: M
authors: Rathi
authors: Pooja
authors: P
authors: Kala
authors: Atul
authors: A
authors: Gupta
authors: Satish Kumar
authors: SK
authors: Budania
authors: Harshkiran
authors: H
authors: Ahuja
keywords: benign pairs; breast cytology; fine needle aspiration cytology