AbstractIntroduction: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in females, whose meticulous evaluation is required for an early diagnosis. Aims and objectives: In our study we evaluated the role of triple assessment in diagnosing breast cancer and its sensitivity and specificity with regards to histopathology (HPE). Materials and methods: A total of 235 cases were included in our study who presented to OPD with lump in the breast and evaluated by triple assessment which includes clinical examination, mammography, FNAC and correlated with histopathology findings.Results:Out of 235 cases presented with breast lump, most seen in mean age group of 43 yrs. Each modality in triple assessment is correlated with HPE findings to elicit positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp). 1.- Clinical examination on comparison with HPE shows PPV, NPV, Sn, Sp as 91.4%, 99%, 98.5, 86.5 respectively. 2.-Mammography on comparison with HPE shows PPV, NPV, Sn, Sp as 100, 99, 100, 94.6 respectively. 3.- FNAC on comparison with HPE shows PPV, NPV, Sn, Sp as 92.3, 99.5, 98.5, 97.3 respectively. Conclusion: Triple assessment is a gold standard technique for assessing breast lesions. Optimal use of triple assessment helps not only in timely accurate diagnosis but also to relieve the psychological burden of the patients.
Keywords: Breast Disease; Triple Assessment; FNAC.