ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is still an important first line diagnostic procedure in developing countries. FNAC of breast lesions is quite specific and sensitive investigation and the results are comparable to histopathology.Aim of study is to evaluate role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of breast lesions and to compare the cytological findings with the histopathology wherever possible. In addition the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FNAC in breast lesions are carried out. MATERIAL METHODS &RESULT: The present study was carried out on 100 patients who presented with palpable lump in the breast ;irrespective of age and sex were included in the study from the district hospital of North Karnataka, over a period of 15 months.In 69 cases ,cytological diagnosis was correlated with histological findings . RESULTS: There was preponderance of benign breast lesions: 55cases (79.71%) and malignant cases 14(20.29%) .In present study,sensitivity is 92.85%,specificity is 100% in diagnosisng malignant lesions,with accuracy of 98.48% .Positive predictive value is 100% and negative predictive value is 98.11%. CONCLUSION: With experienced hands, FNAC is safe, cost effective and a reliable technique for preoperative evaluation of palpable breast lumps. FNAC features are more informative when combined with physical and radiology findings (Triple test).