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Original Article | Pathology | Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026 | Pages: 1598 - 1600 | India
Cytological and Mammographic Evaluation of Palpable Breast Masses in Females of Reproductive Age Group: A Prospective Hospital-Based Cytopathological Study
Abstract: Background: Palpable breast masses are a frequent clinical presentation in females of reproductive age, posing a diagnostic challenge due to overlapping features of benign and malignant lesions. Early and accurate differentiation is crucial for timely management. Mammography using BI-RADS classification provides structural imaging, while fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with Modified Masood Scoring offers minimally invasive cellular diagnosis. Methods: A prospective hospital-based study was conducted over 18 months at FH Medical College and Hospital, Agra. One hundred females of reproductive age with palpable breast masses underwent both mammographic (BI-RADS) and cytological (Masood scoring) evaluation. Diagnostic parameters were computed with histopathology as the gold standard. Results: FNAC showed 94.29% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, 97.01% NPV, and 98% accuracy against histopathology. Mammography showed 100% sensitivity, 70.77% specificity, 64.81% PPV, 100% NPV, and 81% accuracy. Carcinoma was diagnosed in 33% by FNAC and 54% classified as malignant by BI-RADS IV/V. A strong correlation was observed between both modalities. Conclusion: Combined mammography and FNAC with Masood scoring provides a reliable, complementary diagnostic approach for palpable breast masses. FNAC is a highly accurate first-line investigation offering precise malignancy differentiation, while mammography serves as a sensitive screening adjunct.
Keywords: Palpable breast mass, Mammography, FNAC, BI-RADS, Masood scoring, Breast carcinoma, Reproductive age group
How to Cite?: Dr. Farah Rehman, Dr. Madhurika Gupta, Dr. Deepak Mittal, Dr. Farhana, Dr. Hemant Kumar, "Cytological and Mammographic Evaluation of Palpable Breast Masses in Females of Reproductive Age Group: A Prospective Hospital-Based Cytopathological Study", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1598-1600, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26422234401, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26422234401