FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY OF THE BREAST

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a quick, accurate, cost-effective off ice procedure that increases the diagnostic usefulness of breast exami nation. It is a technique best used at initial discovery of a lesion. Its sensitivity, ranging from 90 to 97 percent in large series, depend s on two factors: biopsy performance and interpretation. To attain a h igh sensitivity for this procedure, a team approach that includes the physician, pathologist and radiologist is essential.