Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology in a breast lump using histopathology as gold standard.
STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study
PLACE AND DURATION It is a two year study From 1-07-2009 to 30 -06-2011 conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur.
MATERIAL AND METHOD Two hundred and fifty six patients of any age and sex with breast lump presented in surgical OPD are included in the study to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology using histopathology as gold standard.

RESULTS: Of the 256 patients majority of the patients i.e. 43.75%(n=112) were between 20-30 years of age, mean and s.d. was recorded 34.23+9.78, 4.30%(n=11) were male and 95.79%(n=245) were females, FNAC proved 32.81%(n=84) malignant( True positive 63and False positive 21) , FNAC showed sensitivity as 85.13%, specificity 88.46%, positive predictive value 75% and negative predictive value was recorded as 93.60%.
CONCLUSION: The evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology in a breast lump using histopathology as gold standard showed a sensitivity 85.13% and specificity 88.46%,so least invasive highly accurate diagnostic procedure .
KEY WORDS:Breast lump, diagnostic accuracy, fine needle aspiration cytology

Key words: Breast lump, diagnostic accuracy, fine needle aspiration cytology