PREDICTION OF AXILLARY LYMPH-NODE METASTASIS BY AXILLARY CYTOLOGY IN BREAST-CANCER PATIENTS

Axillary node fine needle aspiration cytology was performed prior to a xillary clearance from 100 axillae in 99 women with breast cancer (1 b ilateral). Only 25 samples contained sufficient cells for assessment: 12 were positive for malignant cells and 13 contained benign lymphoid elements. In cellular aspirates, sensitivity was 69%, positive predict ive value 92% and negative predictive value 62%. Owing to the low rate s of cellularity, this technique cannot be recommended for routine pra ctice.