Aspiration cytology of breast carcinoma.

In the past 12 years aspiration cytological examination was carried out in 310 cases of histologically verified breast cancer. A classification of mammary carcinomas is presented and the cytomorphological features of cells constituting the different types of tumour are described. The value of aspiration cytology in preoperative diagnosis of early cancerous proliferations is emphasized. In the light of clinical, mammographic and cytological investigations the accuracy is about 96%. The method is reliable, quick, has no hazard, and can be performed in out-patients. Its routine application is recommended to all institutions possessing adequate facilities and staff.