A Study of Patterns of Breast Lesions on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Hapur Region, Uttar Pradesh

To detect the frequency distribution of various breast lesions on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and incidence of duct carcinoma in different age groups.

200 cases who presented with breast lesions for fine aspiration cytology with Papanicolaou stain, age group 15–60 years and both sexes were included in the study conducted over a period of June 2014-May 2016.

FNAC was done on 200 cases of breast lesions, of which 150 (75.0%) were benign, 27 (13.5%) malignant, 11 (5.5%) benign breast disease with atypia, 4 (2%) suspicious, and 8(4.0%) unsatisfactory. Fibroadenoma was the most common benign lesion and ductal carcinoma was the common malignant lesion. There was significant association between benign breast lesions and age. Majorities were pre-menopausal females and commonest age group was 31–40 years.

With experienced hands, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a safe, cost effective and reliable technique for preoperative evaluation of palpable breast lumps. FNA features are more informative when combined with clinical and radiological findings. Fibro adenoma forms the majority of benign breast lesions, followed by duct carcinoma with increased incidence in the third decade. So, clinical breast examination and mammography screening in female subjects should be encouraged in developing countries from the third decade onward for early detection of breast carcinoma.