Prediction of axillary lymph node metastasis by axillary cytology in breast cancer patients

Axillary node fine needle aspiration cytology was performed prior to axillary clearance from 100 axillae in 99 women with breast cancer (1 bilateral). Only 25 samples contained sufficient cells for assessment: 12 were positive for malignant cells and 13 contained benign lymphoid elements. In cellular aspirates, sensitivity was 69%, positive predictive value 92% and negative predictive value 62%. Owing to the low rates of cellularity, this technique cannot be recommended for routine practice.