DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY (FNAC) FOR BENIGN AND MALIGNANT BREAST LESIONS

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is a prevalent malignancy among adult women worldwide, with the WHO's 2018 Global Burden of Cancer Study (GLOBOCAN) reporting 18.1 million new cases and 9.6 million deaths from cancer globally. BC accounts for 11.6% of overall cancer incidence in women and is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy (24.2%). In approximately 154 out of 185 countries, BC constitutes one in four newly diagnosed cancer cases in women. Post-lumbar and colorectal cancers, BC are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women (15%). This review aims to provide comprehensive data on the pathophysiology, risk factors, and types of breast cancers, with an emphasis on the importance of diagnostic methods, particularly fine needle aspiration (FNAC). Breast cancer is a common disorder among adult women worldwide. The WHO's GLOBOCAN study highlights the global burden of cancer, with BC being the second most common cancer type in women, following lung cancer. This review focuses on characterizing BC, its risk factors, and the significance of FNAC in diagnostic procedures. Breast cancer arises due to genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include age, postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, never having married, widowhood, family history of BC, late menopause or early menarche (long-term fertility), higher age at first pregnancy, alcoholism, smoking, low fruit and vegetable intake, physical inactivity, and obesity. The triple test, combining imaging diagnostics, clinical examination, and core needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), enhances BC detection accuracy. FNAC is a rapid, cost-effective, and practical diagnostic method that provides detailed information on lesion type, aiding in early detection and treatment planning. Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern. Understanding its pathophysiology, risk factors, and diagnostic methods, particularly FNAC, is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes. Further research into FNAC's efficacy and integration into clinical practice is warranted.

Keywords:

 Clinical characteristics, risk factors, cytomorphological pattern, breast cancer, and fine needle aspiration biopsy