Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the breast

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the breast was perfomred in 503 cases which were subsequently examined histologically. There were 192 cases of cancer and 311 benign lesions. The cytological technique consisted of fixation in 50% ethyl alcohol, Millipore filtration and Papanicolaou staining. Of the 192 malignant lesions, the aspiration biopsy findings were originally reported as malignant (Papanicolaou Gr. V) in 138 cases (71.9%) and after review of the specimens in 161 cases (83.9%). The figures for strongly suspicious findings (Gr. IV) were 19 (9.9%) originally and 6 (3.1%) after the review, in moderately suspicious findings (Gr. III) 14 (7.3%), respectively. Of the false negative cases four (2.1%) were due to inadequate specimens. In the 311 histologically benign cases malignancy was originally strongly suspected cyologically (Gr. IV) in five (1.4%) and Gr. III findings occurred in 22 suspected cytologically (Gr. IV) in five (1.4%) and Gr. III findings occurred in 22 cases (7.1%). After review, no strongly suspicious findings were left. Gr. III findings numbered nine (2.9%). There were no false psoitive (Gr V) cases in this series. Cytological manifestations are described and some clinicopathological aspects of fine-needle aspiration biospy of the breast are discussed. The orientation period with continuous cytohistological comparisons ie is essential for successful aspiration biopsy diagnosis.