Abstract

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology were carried out in 338 patients who had palpable breast lump between April 1990 and January 1993 in the Breast Disease Research and Treatment Center of İstanbul Medical School. All of the 89 FNA cytology which reported as malignant ephitelial cells were histologically revealed as carcinoma. Among the 171 FNA cytologies reported as benign, 12 were diagnosed as malignant by means of benign, %7 false negative estimation. Among the suspicious results, 34 (%59) were shown to be malignant and 23 (%41) were benign. FNA cytology is a valuable method in the evaluation and the follow-up of the patients who have breast lumps. It gives information prior to operation about the possibities and the options which helps in discussion with the patient about the condition.