Comparative study of clinical examination, mammography and fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of breast tumours

ABSTRACT

The diagnostic acuracy of clinical examination, mammography and fine needle aspiration cytology was compared with definitive histological findings in 125 breast lumps. When suitable aspirates were obtained for cytological examination, the diagnostic acuracy of aspiration cytology was higher than clinical examination or mammography. A diagnostic acuracy of 100% was achieved when all three screening tests were in agreement. Cytology is useful in identifying malignancy when clinical findings suggest that the tumour is benign. The availability of acurati cytology has affected patient management in many ways. Mammography did not enhance the diagnostic acuracy of clinical examination and aspiration cytology in patients presenting with a breast lump and as a procedure with potential hazard, the benifit of routine mammography is questionable when an efficient cytological service is available