Fine-needle aspiration of clinically occult breast lesions.

Analysis of 308 Localisation Breast Biopsies in a New Zealand Hospital

“…Nodules may, however, be upgraded or downgraded depending on their density, calcification, multiplicity, visibility in multiple projections or size. The use of guided fine needle aspiration as a adjunct to diagnosis may increase the rate of detection of malignancy in the minimally suspicious group (Kopans 1989).…”

Stereotactic core-needle biopsy of the breast: a report of the Joint Task Force of the American College of Radiology, American College of Surgeons, and College of American Pathologists

“…8 In the United States, several problems have blocked the acceptance of FNAC for the evaluation of mammographically detected abnormalities, including the fact that it requires a skilled cytopathologist, the variability in the reported accuracy of the procedure, the high rates of insufficient sampling, and the medicolegal environment. 9,10 The reported sensitivity of FNAC ranges from 68 to 100%, the specificity from 82 to 100%, and the rates of insufficient specimens from 2 to 36%. 10,11 Even if sufficient specimens are obtained, a definitive diagnosis is not always possible.…”

Breast Ultrasound: Diagnostic Imaging and Biopsy Techniques for the Office Practice

“…Aspiration of thick, paste-like contents, frequently associated with mammary duct ectasia, may require local anesthesia and the use of larger, 18-to 14-gauge needles [ 40 ]. Cytologic evaluation of aspirated fl uid is reserved for bloody fl uid or lack of cyst resolution [ 41 ].…”

“…Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of solid masses has received considerable criticism, especially in the United States, related to the degree of insuffi cient sampling and the need for expert cytopathology [ 41 ]. Despite such criticisms, FNA is a quick and inexpensive technique to delineate benign from malignant solid breast masses.…”