Abstract :
Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was described and practiced by Martin and Ellis
in 1930. It is a well-accepted procedure and is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and patient management of
breast lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of FNAC as a diagnostic tool for palpable breast lumps are
65-99% and 96-100% respectively. Therefore, the study aimed to access the cytomorphological spectrum
of breast lesions.
Materials and Methods: The present study included thirty-seven consecutive female patients of palpable
breast lesions who underwent fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). After obtaining a detailed history
followed by clinical examination, the FNAC procedure was performed. All the slides were stained with
Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E). The stained smears were viewed under microscope and cytological
findings were interpreted accordingly.
Results: The most common affected age group was 40-49 years with preponderance on right side.
Considering the Cytomorphological spectrum, the most common lesion was Fibroadenoma followed
by Ductal carcinoma, fibrocystic disease, acute suppurative inflammatory lesion, benign breast lesion,
granulomatous mastitis and atypical ductal hyperplasia. The ductal carcinomas were more commonly seen
in the age group of 40-49 years and Fibroadenoma were more common in age group of 20-29 years.
Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology of breast lesions is a valuable, cost effective, minimally
invasive and a rapid investigation. Majority of the lesions in the younger age group are benign in nature
and malignant in older age groups. Despite its high accuracy, some pitfalls may lead to confusion and
misdiagnosis of breast lesions. Therefore, accuracy of diagnosis increases when aided with radiological
investigations.
Keyword :
Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) breast lesions Cytomorphology