[The value of aspiration cytology within the scope of triple diagnosis of palpable breast changes].
The diagnostic value of aspiration cytology and the overall diagnostic quality of the so-called triple test (aspiration cytology, mammography and physical examination) in the evaluation of palpable breast masses were investigated in a retrospective study. 608 histologically evaluated cancers and 224 benign lesions were investigated. A main purpose of the study was to find out whether the triple diagnostic test can replace surgical biopsy and thereby reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies. All lesions triple-diagnosed as malignant were histologically proved to be malignant, i.e. there were no false positive results. The rate of false negative results was found to be within the range reported for false negative results in fresh frozen sections. Based on these results we state that the dogmatic statement "every palpable mass in the breast must be excised" should be replaced by the recommendation "every palpable mass must be assessed and clarified". A great number of retrospectively unnecessary biopsies can be avoided by a systematic use of the triple diagnosis. The diagnostic safety of this method is close to that of open biopsy. In all cases where positive or negative concordant triplets are found, histological confirmation by biopsy can be avoided. Patients with benign lesions can be thoroughly followed up by repeated physical and radiological examinations. Patients with triple diagnostic malignant results can be adequately treated. Lesions for which triple diagnosis yields neither benign nor malignant, must be biopsied: This is also necessary in all cases with suspicious findings in mammography without a palpable mass, if the equipment for stereotactic or ultrasound- guided biopsies is not available.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)