Diagnosis of breast cancer with core-biopsy and fine needle aspiration cytology

Aust N Z J Surg. 1996 Sep;66(9):592-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1996.tb00825.x.

Abstract

Background: Patients who are elderly or who have locally advanced breast cancer may initially receive primary medical therapy.

Methods: In order to avoid open biopsy in such patients, we routinely perform both fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core-biopsy at the first clinic visit.

Results: A retrospective review showed that of 109 such patients, 87 (80%) had the diagnosis confirmed on FNAC and 96 (88%) on core-biopsy. Only eight patients did not have a diagnostic result from the first clinic visit, and five of these patients were diagnosed on a repeat core-biopsy or FNAC. The remaining three patients had suspicious FNAC. Overall 97% had one or both investigations positive.

Conclusions: When considered alone core-biopsy was superior to FNAC. In this series the combined diagnostic approach of FNAC and core-biopsy has allowed outpatient diagnosis for virtually all patients.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Biopsy*
  • Biopsy, Needle*
  • Breast / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Carcinoma in Situ / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Lobular / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Receptors, Estrogen / analysis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Receptors, Estrogen