CYTOMORPHOLOGICAL PATTERNS OF PALPABLE BREAST LESIONS DIAGNOSED ON FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a simple, minimally invasive, cost effective and outpatient based method for diagnosis of various palpable lesions. Breast cancer is the commonest malignancy in women worldwide and adequate preoperative evaluation is the most essential part of management of breast lumps. Although core needle biopsy has evolved as the diagnostic tool of choice for breast lumps, Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology still remains an important diagnostic tool. Material & Method: We have conducted retrospective study of FNAC of palpable breast lumps for period of one year (June 2020 to May 2021) in Pathology department at Shantabaa Medical College and General Hospital, Amreli. All patients were out patient based from surgical OPD. A total of 46 FNACs from palpable breast lesions were studied. Results: Out of 46 FNACs, 25 were benign, including infective etiology, 12 were suspicious for malignancy, 9 were malignant. Conclusion: FNAC serves as a rapid, economical and reliable tool for the diagnosis of palpable breast lesions. Cytopathological examination of lesions before operation or treatment serves as an important diagnostic modality.