Diagnostic correlation of palpable breast masses by cytology and histopathology: A prospective study

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has revolutionized the approach to diagnosis and management of breast and various other lesions. Its accuracy in many situations avoids any unnecessary surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to analyze and correlate the diagnosis of breast lesions on cytology with histopathology. Materials and methods: This prospective study was done at Government Medical College, Nizamabad, and Telangana State (TS) during June 2016 to May 2018 and total numbers of cases included were 200. A detail clinical and family history was taken before the procedure of FNAC and examination of both the breast was done. Results: The study included 200 breast masses/ cases, which were diagnosed on cytology. The age group included in this study was between 16 years and 75 years. Most of the cases in this study were in the age group 16- 30 years (91 cases) followed by 31- 45 years group (66 cases), followed by 46-60 years (34 cases) and least numbers of cases were noted in 61-75 years age group (09 cases). In this study, most common diagnosis was Fibroadenoma and least common diagnosis given on cytological examination was tubular Adenoma. Conclusion: FNAC is an important diagnostic adjunct in the management of patient with a breast lump. Recently FNAC popularity has grown many folds and has become a most valuable tool in the diagnosis of palpable breast masses owing to its distinct advantages of being sensitive, specific, expedient, economical and safe. Lack of local or general anesthesia makes the procedure more comfortable for the patient and the pathologist.