ROLE OF FNAC IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF BREAST LESIONS

Abstract

Introduction: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) constitutes one of the most commonly used methods for the diagnostic evaluation of breast lesions as it is minimally invasive, gives rapid results, and cost effective. Objective: This systematic review was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, benefits, limitations and current role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of lesions in the breast. Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out by using Google Scholar and PubMed. Fifteen studies published between 2022 and 2026 were selected according to pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. We extracted and analysed data on diagnostic accuracy, clinical utility and comparison with alternative diagnostic techniques. Results: The reviewed studies have demonstrated high specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy of FNAC in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions. We found FNAC to be particularly useful in low resource settings.