Combination of clinical examination, mammography and aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the breast (179 cases).

In 179 histologically confirmed cases of carcinoma of the breast the diagnostic values of clinical examination, mammography and aspiration biopsy were compared. The effect of combining these three diagnostic methods was evaluated. Clinical examination and mammography each produced a positive diagnosis in 89% of the cases, and in 88% aspiration biopsy. A combination of these three methods enabled a positive diagnosis of carcinoma of the breast in 99% of the cases. Fine needle biopsy and mammography carried out by the clinician seem to be as effective as when done by the cytologist and diagnostic radiologist. A combination of clinical examination, mammography and aspiration biopsy increases the diagnostic accuracy of breast cancer.