Key Clinical Findings & Highlights
- Validates minimally invasive ultrasound-guided cytology for precise staging.
- Achieves 96.8% diagnostic specificity compared to gold-standard histology.
- Assists surgeons in optimizing targeted surgical intervention.
Abstract
Introduction & Background
Accurate evaluation of axillary nodal status remains one of the most critical prognostic factors in oncological surgery. While clinical palpation frequently misses early micrometastases, invasive axillary clearance carries risks of lymphedema and shoulder stiffness. USG-FNAC provides a minimally invasive diagnostic bridge.
Clinical Case Presentation & Diagnosis
A prospective cohort of 60 clinically node-negative female patients undergoing surgical treatment was evaluated with standardized high-frequency (7.5-12 MHz) axillary ultrasound. Morphological criteria including cortical thickness, loss of central fatty hilum, and roundness index were scored. Nodes demonstrating suspicious architectural features underwent real-time USG-guided FNAC before surgery.
Surgical Technique & Management
All patients subsequently underwent definitive surgical management with axillary lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy, and cytology findings were compared against gold-standard histopathology.
Discussion & Literature Context
The study demonstrated high specificity (96.8%) and positive predictive value (95.2%) for USG-guided FNAC in detecting occult nodal metastasis, allowing tailored surgical planning and reducing unnecessary two-stage operations.
Conclusion
Routine high-resolution USG combined with targeted FNAC provides dependable preoperative staging for clinically node-negative patients.
How to Cite This Research
V. Shrivastava, S. Singh, S. Singh, A. K. Maurya, A. K. Maurya, M. Singh, Dr. Surendra K. Gupta (2016). "The accuracy of USG and USG guided FNAC axilla in predicting nodal metastasis in a clinically lymph node negative cancer breast patient". International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, Volume 5, Issue 1, Pages 196-200.
