Fine needle aspiration cytology prior to breast ultrasonography does not alter ultrasound diagnostic accuracy or patient management

Abstract

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) prior to serial sonographic (USS) examination of the breast is said to impede accurate diagnosis. This study aimed to test the effect of performing FNAC prior to USS in a one-stop symptomatic breast clinic. Methods: All patients (n=368) attending a one-stop clinic over a 1-year period were stochastically allocated to imaging prior to (Group 1) or after (Group 2) clinical examination and FNAC. Additional procedures required for diagnosis (open or core biopsies), false negative USS grade and final outcome were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher's exact test. Results: There was no statistical difference between the two groups. Conclusion: In the clinical setting of a one-stop visit, FNAC prior to breast USS does not alter ultrasound diagnostic accuracy or patient management. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.