Inclusion cytology by fine needle biopsy in mammary tumors

In an attempt to reach a definite preoperative diagnosis of solitary, solid breast lesions, data collected in our Institute during the last year was analyzed and confirmed the possibility of obtaining adequate cytologic and histologic specimens with fine-needle aspiration. When this is used in association with conventional cytologic examination the sensitivity of the procedure is increased from 73% to 78%. In 14% of cases, these combined aspiration techniques provided extra information concerning the histotype and infiltration of the tumor which was not obtainable with cytology alone.