Fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast: a statistical evaluation of accuracy based on 1,080 cases.

Abstract

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the breast is a minimally invasive and low-cost method. In this study we reviewed our experience on a total of 1,080 cases. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive value were calculated. The causes of error were examined and we concluded that accuracy improves when aspirations are done by the cytopathologist himself and fixing and staining procedures are immediately performed in a specialized laboratory.