Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Cell-Block Study of Various Breast Lumps

Abstract

Aim of the study was to evaluate the importance of the combined use of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and cell-block in the diagnosis of different breast lesions. Patient and methods: This study was a prospective study of 310 cases (301 females and 9 males) with breast swelling, coming to cytopathology unit, faculty of medicine, Zagazig University. FNAC and cell-block were performed. Cytological findings of smears and cell-blocks were correlated to histopathological results. Results: Most of cases were diagnosed as benign lesions or normal findings. The majority of FNAC samples was diagnosed as fibrocystic disease (160 cases, 51.6%), followed by fibroadenoma in 54 cases (17.4%). Positive cases for malignancy, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and false negative cases were encountered in 50 cases (16.1%). Studying the histopathological results showed that true positive cases by FNAC and cell-block were 47 in number (15.16%) and true negative ones were 247 cases (82.90%). False positive cases were 3 in number (0.96%) and false negative ones were also 3 cases (0.96%). Sensitivity was 94% and specificity was 98%. Positive predictive and negative predictive values were 94% and 98%, respectively. False positive and false negative rates were 1.15% and 6% respectively. Total accuracy was 98%. Conclusion: It is advised to perform cell-blocks for each case of breast FNAC to decrease the pitfalls and to improve the diagnosis and management of breast lumps.