Role of Ultrasound in Evaluation of Breast Lesions and its FNAC Correlation at a Tertiary Hospital.

Background: Diagnosis of breast cancer has been widely improved since the development of high-resolution ultrasound. Ultrasonography is an indispensable tool in breast imaging. FNAC is relevant and important for pre-operative pathological evaluation of in management of breast cancer. Present study was aimed to study ultrasound guided evaluation of breast lesions followed by correlation of its findings with FNAC (cytopathological correlation). Material and Methods: Present study was single-center, prospective, observational study, conducted in females, age > 18 years, complaining of palpable breast lesions, OR had suspicious lesions on mammography. BIRAD score interpreted by USG was used for prediction of malignancy. Results: In present study, 233 women were included. Majority were from 31-60 years age group, with mean age of 47.22 ± 11.43 years. Common indication for USG were lump (71.2%) followed by pain (16.3%), screening (7.7%) & nipple discharge (4.7%). FNAC report was Malignant (56.7%) in majority cases as compared to benign (43.3%). Sensitivity and Specificity of BIRAD ≥ IVb was highest (90.9% & 89.1% respectively) followed by BIRAD ≥ IVa (88.6% & 75.3% respectively) & BIRAD ≥ IVc (71.2% & 95.1% respectively). No statistically significant difference was noted between oval and round shape (p- 0.859). Benign lesions on FNAC were commonly seen with Circumscribed margins (64.4%) while malignant lesions on FNAC were commonly seen with microlobulated margins (57.6%), association was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Using integrated approach employing imaging and FNAC (cytological method) procedure is the best way to in addressing the diagnostic needs of patients with breast diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]