Aspiration cytology in breast cancer. Its relevance to diagnosis.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology as a routine method in the management of breast disease was assessed in 237 patients presenting with a breast lump. The diagnostic accuracy of the method was 95.5% in both benign and malignant lesions. Fine needle aspiration is a safe procedure with an accuracy exceeding that of other diagnostic methods; it does not replace frozen-section histology but improves the management of breast disease by giving accurate preoperative diagnosis.