Atypical and suspicious categories in fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast: histological and mammographical correlation and clinical significance.

Abstract

Our study supports maintaining cytology categories C3 and C4. About two-thirds of C3 cases were benign on biopsy whereas 81 percent of C4 cases were malignant (p-value is less than 0.001). There was complete correlation between histological and mammographical studies except those with equivocal mammograms. Our study supports the combined use of clinical, mammographical and cytological findings for optimal patient management. This is especially important for patients with C3 aspiration results, in order to avoid unnecessary surgery for benign lesions.