Advantages of 2004 JSBC Guideline for reporting fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast

Abstract

Objective : We compared the efficacy of results of the current reporting of fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast (Japanese Society of Breast Cancer (JSBC) : 2004 Guideline) to that of our conventional modified Pap classification.
Study Design : Conventional data on 334 cases of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the breast conducted from January 2007 to May 2008 and rearranged based on the diagnostic categorization of 2004 JSBC Guideline reporting was evaluated using quality assurance (QA) parameters calculated by United Kingdom Breast-Screening Programme formulae.
Results : Conventional Pap Class I/II, IV, and V were reasonably translated into “normal/benign,” “suspicious for malignancy,” or “malignant.” Class III was subdivided into “indeterminate” and “suspicious for malignancy.” QA parameters were calculated as inadequate 15.6%, indeterminate 4.2%, histologically malignant among suspicious 90.9%, absolute sensitivity 79.2%, specificity 72.4%, false negative 7.5%, false positive 0%, and positive predictive for malignant 100%.
Conclusions : We found current 2004 JSBC Guideline reporting to be more useful because of its specific categorization and quality assurance. It is rather easy to introduce the current system in addition to the diagnostic category in the conventional modified Pap classification generally accepted and used in Japan.