Accuracy of fine needle aspiration compared to core needle biopsy in breast masses

Background and aims: Breast cancer is one of the main causes of death in women, the early diagnosis of which is made by physicalexamination, mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy of breast masses. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of fineneedle aspiration (FNA) compared to core needle biopsy (CNB) in breast masses.Methods: The current descriptive study was conducted in Kashani and Hajar hospitals in ۲۰۱۵. And a total of ۲۰۰ patients diagnosed withbreast masses participated in this study. First, patients referred to the clinic, received local anesthesia in the area, and then underwent FNAusing ۱۰ cc syringes and ۲۳G needles, and simultaneously CNB specimens were taken by a special needle for diagnosis. FNA and CNBspecimens were transferred to the Pathology Department with a few day interval for cytological interpretation.Results: The sensitivity and specificity of FNA compared to CNB in the diagnosis of malignant breast masses were ۸۳.۹% and ۸۹.۹%,respectively. Moreover, the positive and negative predictive values of FNA for breast masses were ۷۸.۸% and ۹۲.۵%, respectively. Theaccuracy of FNA test for breast masses was also ۰.۸۸%.Conclusion: According to the results of this study, FNA test had a high sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value in the diagnosis of breastmasses. Therefore, it could be used as an appropriate diagnostic tool, and could obviously save many costs as well.

Keywords:

Fine needle aspiration , Core needle biopsy , Breast mass