Accuracy of diagnostic tests in the evaluation of solid breast mass in Songklanagarind Hospital

Prinya Soontrapornchai, Asst. Prof., D. of Surgery, F. of Medicine, PSU.
Hutcha Sriplung, Assoc. Prof., D. of Pathology, F. of Medicine, PSU.
Komgrit Tanisaro, Asst. Prof., D. of Radiology, F. of Medicine, PSU.
Vicha Charoonratana, Assoc. Prof., D. of Surgery, F. of Medicine, PSU.
Corresponding e-mail : sprinya@ratree.psu.ac.th

Grant : Faculty of Medicine, PSU.
Published : Songkla Med J 2000, 18(2) : 129-134
Key words : breast mass, fine needle aspiration, mammography, diagnostic test

Objective : To assess the sensitivity and specificity of physical examination, mammography and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of breast mass.

Design : a prospective comparative study

Materials and methods : Seventy consecutive patients who presented with breast mass in Songklanagarind Hospital were evaluated preoperatively by physical examination, mammography and FNA. Open biopsy was subsequently performed. Physical examination and tissue aspiration was done by one of two qualified surgeons. The mammographic and cytologic findings were interpreted by the sole radiologist and the cytologist, respectively. These tests were compared with histologic examination which is a gold standard for the diagnosis.

Results : The sensitivities of physical examination, mammography and FNA were 85%, 88% and 92% and the specificities of these tests were 75%, 97% and 97%, respectively.

Conclusion : Due to high sensitivity and specificity of FNA and mammography, these tests could help clinicians in the diagnosis of breast mass. The key is to identify the patients who may be safely observed or to plan for the treatment before surgical biopsy is done. However, the tests required experienced radiologists and cytologists as well as persons skilled in fine-needle aspiration. The use of combined tests was also suggested to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

---

BACK