COMPARISON OF FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION AND TRU-CUT BIOPSY OF PALPABLE MAMMARY LESIONS

To assess the accuracy and predictive value of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology and Tru-Cut needle biopsy of palpable breast lesions, w e studied 215 aspirates obtained from 209 patients and 120 tissue-core biopsies taken from 109 patients. The FNA and Tru-Cut findings have b een grouped as benign, malignant, suspicious, and nondiagnostic. Histo logic confirmation was obtained in 103 aspirated and 102 biopsied case s. Considering only cases with a definitive benign or malignant diagno sis, the accuracy of FNA was 94%, while the sensitivity and specificit y were 90 and 100%, respectively. The predictive value of a positive d iagnosis (PV+) was 100% and the predictive value of a negative diagnos is (PV-) was 86%. Likewise, the accuracy of Tru-Cut needle biopsy was 90% while the sensitivity and specificity were 89 and 100%, respective ly. The PV+ was 100%, and the PV- was 58%. Our study suggests that FNA cytology of the breast is a reliable diagnostic procedure and it shou ld always be included in the preoperative diagnosis of breast tumors.