Breast fine needle aspiration biopsy cytology: the potential impact of the International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytopathology and the use of rapid on-site evaluation

Abstract

The present report reviews the current problems associated with the routine use of breast fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and discusses the potential impact that the new International Academy of Cytology (IAC) Yokohama Reporting System and the use of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) should have on reducing these problems to optimize breast care for patients. The recently reported IAC System aims to establish the best practice guidelines for breast FNAB, emphasizing the importance of the FNAB technique and the skillful preparation of direct smears. The IAC System proposes a standardized report and established clear terminology for defined reporting categories, each of which has a risk of malignancy and is linked to management options. The FNAB techniques that will optimize the biopsy specimen and reduce poor quality smears are reviewed and the benefits of ROSE are discussed. FNAB can diagnose accurately the vast majority of breast lesions, and ROSE has been recommended whenever possible to reduce the rate of insufficient/inadequate cases and increase the number of specific benign and malignant diagnoses. ROSE performed by a cytopathologist provides a provisional diagnosis, reducing patient anxiety and facilitating management through cost-effective immediate triage and patient selection for ancillary testing. Thus, patients can be selected for immediate core needle biopsy, as required.

Keywords: Breast; Cytology; Cytopathology; Fine needle aspiration biopsy; International Academy of Cytology; Rapid on site evaluation; Reporting system.