P. Kameshwari Prasad1
OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the effectiveness of Triple assessment in evaluation of breast diseases. 2. To compare triple assessment (as a combined diagnostic modality) to each of its components. 3. To find advantages of ultrasonogram over mammography.
METHODS: Patients attending surgical clinic with breast related complaints during the period from 1st January 2009 to June 31st 2010 were assessed using the Triple test. Each patient was subjected to clinical examination, ultrasonography, mammography, FNAC, and HPE and the results analyzed.
RESULTS: 40 patients were included in the study, with age ranging from 15 yrs to 60 yrs. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of clinical examination is 100%, 92%, 88.24%, 100%; FNAC is 8.7%, 100%, 100% 92%; Mammogram is 86.7%, 92%, 86%, 92%; and USG is 66.67%, 100%, 100% 83%, respectively.
CONCLUSION: In patients with definite lump, clinical examination and FNAC alone may be sufficient to rule out malignancy. USG to the Triple assessment did not add up to the negative predictive value of Triple Test. Mammogram is needed in patients with no clinically palpable lump and to rule out multi-centric and multi-focal disease.
