Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: October | Volume: 10 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 8-12
Cytological Evaluation of Palpable Breast Lesions with Histopathological Correlation: A 10-Year Retrospective Study from the North-Eastern State of Sikkim
Neelam1, Mingma Sherpa2
1Senior Resident, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana.
2Professor, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim.
Corresponding Author: Neelam
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology [FNAC] is a highly accurate, cheap and minimally invasive tool for the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions. It is useful in planning further course of treatment, many a times without the need of a core biopsy. This study was carried out to assess the accuracy of FNAC in remote areas and its role in planning the treatment for the patient.
Aims: To assess the accuracy of FNAC in diagnosing palpable breast lesions.
Material and Methods: 10-year FNAC data comprising of 417 breast aspirates was retrospectively collected from January 2010 to December 2019. Histopathological correlation was done, wherever available. Statistical analysis was done on the results obtained. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy calculated and meaningful conclusions were drawn.
Results: Of the 417 cases, 320 cases were benign [C2], 35 cases were malignant[C5], 16 were suspicious for malignancy[C4], 27 were atypical, probably benign[C3], 19 were inadequate[C1] for opinion. Histopathology was available for 96 cases. FNAC was found to be 86% sensitive, 96% specific and 93% accurate in diagnosing malignant lesions of the breast.
Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a cheap, quick and accurate tool to diagnose benign and malignant lesions of breast. In C5 category, surgery can be undertaken without a core biopsy hence reducing cost and saving time for the patient. In suspicious or equivocal cases, clinic-radiological correlation and core needle biopsy may solve the dilemma.
Key words: Accuracy, Breast lump, FNAC, Histopathology, Surgery