Orignal Article Fine needle aspiration for cytology: A diagnostic tool for breast lesions in low resources areas.

Abstract

Background: Fine needle aspiration for cytology (FNAC) is a well-established technique for the
diagnosis of masses all over the body and the breast is not an exception. However, recent controversial
reports were published on its accuracy in breast masses. With this background, this study was conducted
to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the FNAC compared to the standard histopathological
technique.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive hospital based study enrolled 117 female
patients with breast masses. All patients underwent fine needle aspiration for cytology, surgical biopsy
and histopathological examination.
Results: The patients’ age ranged between 15–78 years old with a mean age of 44 years. In this series,
the breast masses cytological diagnosis was reported as benign lesions in 96 patients (82.1%), suspicious
lesions in three (2.6%) and malignant lesions in 18 (15.4%). The histological report of the masses
confirmed the diagnosis of malignant lesions in 84.6% and benign lesions in 15.4%. FNAC technique
had 95% sensitivity, and 97.9% specificity.
Conclusions: Fine needle aspiration for cytology of breast lesions is a sensitive, specific, rapid, affordable
and safe procedure yielding sufficient information for the diagnosis of breast masses particularly in low-
resources communities