INTRODUCTION: Carcinoma of the breast is common in Singapore and many patients may present with just a suspicious breast lump. AIM: To determine the accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and trucut biopsy in the diagnosis of suspicious breast lumps in an outpatient setting. METHODS: A total of 39 women, from May 1995 to November 1995, who had a suspicious breast lump were subjected to concurrent FNAC and trucut biopsy. RESULTS: The accuracy of FNAC is 90% whereas trucut biopsy is 67%, the difference being statistically significant with a p < 0.02. CONCLUSION: FNAC is recommended for the diagnosis of suspicious breast lumps.
INTRODUCTION:Carcinoma of the breast is common in Singapore and many patients may present with just a suspicious breast lump. AIM: To determine the accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and trucut biopsy in the diagnosis of suspicious breast lumps in an outpatient setting. METHODS: A total of 39 women, from May 1995 to November 1995, who had a suspicious breast lump were subjected to concurrent FNAC and trucut biopsy. RESULTS: The accuracy of FNAC is 90% whereas trucut biopsy is 67%, the difference being statistically significant with a p < 0.02. CONCLUSION: FNAC is recommended for the diagnosis of suspicious breast lumps.