Breast aspiration cytology: a neglected gynecologic procedure

Presented is a retrospective review of 1,196 breast aspiration cytologic procedures done during 1973 through 1981, at the Straub Clinic and Hospital, Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii. Aspirations which yielded clear fluid are not included. Of all the patients who had breast aspirations, 204 subsequently underwent open biopsy, and a definitive histologic diagnosis was made. Of the 204 open biopsies, 23% proved the existence of malignancy. Thus, 4% of the 1,196 breast aspirations proved the presence of carcinoma. Office aspiration cytologic examination of breast lesions is an efficient and cost-effective technique which is available to every gynecologist, and for which there are no medical contraindications. Complications are rare and usually not significant. If clear fluid is obtained, a clinical diagnosis of benign cystic disease can be made with a high degree of reliability. If the findings of breast aspiration cytologic examination are reported to be suspicious or to disclose malignancy, the patient should be referred as soon as possible for a definitive open biopsy and appropriate surgical treatment.