Aspiration cytology in the preoperative management of breast cancer.

The value and accuracy of aspiration cytology was assessed in the management of 444 patients presenting with a solid breast lump. The first 233 patients were assessed cytologically and frozen-section histology was performed when indicated. In this group a correct positive cytological diagnosis was made in 80% of cases. There were no false positive results. The next 211 patients were assessed cytologically and, when a firm diagnosis of malignancy was made, definitive treatment was carried out without frozen-section histology. In this group cytology was 90.6% reliable in diagnosing malignancy. No mastectomies were performed for benign disease. The use of frozen-section histology has been reduced by about 80%.