iarjsIARJSIARJS2789-6102https://doi.org/10.47310/iarjs.2022.v02i02.013The Role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in the Early Management of Breast CarcinomaQutaibaAbd ErazaqMunerHusseinHadiJaberProf.Dr. Luai FarhanZghairBackground: The incidence of breast cancer is increasing worldwide and among Iraqi women. Fine needle aspiration cytology is considered now the first line pathological investigation in both screening and in symptomatic population. obtaining preoperative diagnosis has become the main element of a modern management to breast cancer. Objective: To evaluate the role played by FNAC in early detection and proper management of patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This is prospective study done including 112 patients from Jan.2016 to Dec. 2016 AL–Yarmouk Teaching hospital, all female patients, irrespective of age, who presented to the surgical consultant clinic and clinic of early detection of breast malignancy. Any suspicious lesion was subjected to fine needle aspiration cytology to confirm the diagnosis. The surgical findings and surgical procedures were recorded. The final histopathological diagnosis, grading of tumor, hormonal receptor status and clinical staging were documented. Results: Of 112 patients who presented with breast lump FNAC revealed the presence of malignancy in 78 (69%) patients. In 18 patients (16%), the decision for surgery was based on the results of FNAC. Of those 104 patients (92.8%) underwent modified radical mastectomy. According Columbia classification 59 (52.7%) were of stage A AND 32 (28.6%) of stage B. Conclusion: FNAC has high sensitivity and specificity as investigation for probable breast lesion suspect of malignancy. It is safe, economical and accurate technique for breast cancer evaluation.