Title: THE EFFICACY OF ASPIRATION BIOPSY CYTOLOGY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF BREAST CANCER
Abstract: To evaluate the efficacy of aspiration biopsy cytology (ABC) in making the diagnosis of primary breast cancer, we reviewed recent cases over a 8-year period. ABC yielded 159 positive and 19 negative results from a total of 178 carcinomatous lesions, and 11 positive and 261 negative results from a total of 272 benign lesions. The positive rate was higher in solid-tubular carcinomas while lower in scirrhous or lobular carcinomas. The positive rate was decreased with a decrease of tumor size. Although cytologist's failure in making the diagnosis was a significant factor for the false-negative (10.7%) or false-positive (4.0%) results, the characteristics of a lesion itself such as the histological type and size, and the proficiency of the individual having performed the aspiration were equally significant variables in the accuracy of breast ABC. An ABC interpreted as positive (class V or IV) for a clinicallymalignant condition enables the surgeon to proceed with definitive treatment. A negative ABC report for a clinically-malignant lesion, however, must be confirmed by open biopsy. On the other hand, an ABC interpreted as negative (class II, I or insufficient) for a clinically-benign lesion obviates the need for open biopsy. A positive report, however, must be confirmed by open biopsy.