Role of cytology in management of lesions of the breast.

Study of 3,724 cytologic specimens mainly obtained by fine needle aspiration biopsy of breast lesions has demonstrated several advantages in clinical management: confirmation of clinical or other impression without open biopsy; avoidance of open biopsy in inoperable instances; avoidance of operation for certain benign lesions; excision under local anaesthesia on an ambulatory basis of other benign lesions; more efficient operating room scheduling; reduction in the number of operations for benign lesions, and the institution of more effective and humane preoperative counseling. It is concluded that these benefits alone justify the use of the method, and there is no compelling need to abandon the routine use of premastectomy frozen sections. Indeed, the problems created by abandoning frozen section routinely appear to be a prime reason for the lack of wider application of the method.