Comparative Evaluation of FNAC and USG Breast with Core Needle Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Malignant Breast Lesions: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: There is no doubt that breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed life-threatening cancer in women and a significant cause of cancer death among women in both developing and developed nations. Using breast imaging-reporting and data system (BI-RADS) classification and breast core needle biopsy (CNB) results, we compared the diagnostic efficacy of FNAC and ultrasonography breast in separating malignant from benign breast masses. Methods: After getting the approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee, the present prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Srinagar (tertiary care hospital), Kashmir, India over a period of 2 years (July 2019 to June 2021). Results: With a mean age of (45.4±13.4) years, the age incidence among the 108 individuals ranged from 22 to 85 years, with the most common age group for breast lumps to occur being (30-39) years. Both FNAC and USG breast were compared to CNB (gold standard), they both had sensitivity and specificity values of (94.57%, 100%) and (95%, 50%), respectively. Conclusion: When FNAC and USG breast were compared to CNB, the gold standard test, FNAC was found to be more reliable and accurate for the identification of malignant breast lesions. However, when these two tests were utilised in tandem, a better outcome and diagnosis could be achieved. Keywords: Ultrasonography, FNAC, Core needle biopsy, Breast malignancy