Publication:

Cytomorphological pattern of breast lesions diagnosed on fine-needle aspiration cytology in a district hospital in Kashmir valley

Background Breast lump is the most common presentation of the breast disease. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, rapid and safe, method to diagnose the breast lesions. The objective of this study was to determine the cytomorphological patterns of various breast lesions diagnosed on FNAC.

Methods This study was conducted on 280 patients presenting with breast lump over a period of 3 years.

Results The age range of these patients was from 11-80 years. Female patients were more than male patients. Left breast involvement was more common than the right breast. The cytological diagnosis included benign breast disease (C2-88%), atypical/probably benign (C3-1%), suspicious for malignancy (C4-3%), malignant (C5-8%). Fibroadenoma and invasive ductal carcinoma were most common among benign and malignant lesions respectively.

Conclusions The primary goal of aspiration cytology is to separate malignant lesions from benign ones and it also makes an important tool in guiding further management of a case. So, it is concluded that FNAC should be used as a routine diagnostic procedure due to its cost effectiveness and quick results, thus maximizing the availability of effective health care to patients with breast lesions.