Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the specificity and sensitivity of the conventional test combination used for the evaluation of the breast masses that included physical examination (PE), mammography (MG) and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in evaluating the malignant or benign characteristics of the masses with respect to the data in our hospital, and to determine the specificity and sensitivity of alternative test combinations in order to compare the efficacy of these combinations.

Materials and Methods:

The ages and PE, ultrasonography (US), MG and FNAB findings of 636 women who were detected to have a mass breast mass in the examinations performed in the Cancer Screening Early Detection and Education Center (KETEM) between 2004 and 2009, were retrospectively investigated. Those who underwent excisional operation and follow-up were also evaluated. The specificity and sensitivity of each test or test combination were individually measured.

Results:

The median age of the participants was 58. All the patients were investigated with PE, USG, MG and FNAB. Excisional biopsy was performed in 448 patients and the mean follow-up period of all patients was 3 years. The sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp) of the conventional triple test (PE+MG+FNAB) were 100% and 92.1% respectively, which seemed very high. It was observed that MG+US+FNAB triple test had the most successful diagnostic feature among all combinations, with a 100% Sn and 100% Sp.

Conclusion:

Although physical examination is essential for the evaluation of the possible masses within the breast, it is insufficient in evaluating the malignancy of the mass. Screening tests should definitely be performed in the presence of a mass. In women older than 40 years of age, US or MG alone may not be sufficient for the evaluation of the malignancy. We believe that performing these tests in conjunction, and supporting them by FNAB, can make the treatment of the mass be possible without the need for a more invasive procedure.

Keywords: Breast mass, triple test, effectiveness