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Breast intraductal masses: US-guided fine-needle aspiration after galactography

F Sardanelli1, A Imperiale, F Zandrino

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Genoa, San Martino Hospital, Italy.

Radiology
|July 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) after galactography improved diagnostic accuracy for intraductal breast masses compared to nipple discharge analysis. This technique aids in better surgical planning for breast conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Nipple discharge can indicate underlying intraductal breast pathology.
  • Galactography is used to visualize intraductal lesions, but further cytologic confirmation is often needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the diagnostic utility of ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) performed immediately after galactography for intraductal breast masses.
  • To compare the cytologic accuracy of US-guided FNA with that of nipple discharge analysis.

Main Methods:

  • 36 patients with single-duct nipple discharge and galactographically diagnosed intraductal masses underwent US-guided FNA post-galactography.
  • Cytologic analysis of nipple discharge, FNA samples, and subsequent histopathology were performed.

Main Results:

  • US-guided FNA correctly diagnosed 50% of cases, significantly higher than the 25% accuracy of nipple discharge analysis (P = .0352).
  • US-guided FNA identified three carcinomas, including invasive types, whereas nipple discharge analysis detected only one.
  • Two papillary in situ carcinomas were initially misdiagnosed as papillomas by US-guided FNA.

Conclusions:

  • US-guided FNA, performed after galactography, provides valuable diagnostic information for intraductal breast lesions.
  • This technique enhances diagnostic accuracy compared to nipple discharge analysis, supporting tailored surgical planning.
Abstract

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