Guidelines for Non-operative Diagnostic Procedures and Reporting in Breast Cancer Screening

NHSBSP Publication No 50 published June 2001

PDF 641Kb - ISBN 1 871997 44 5

Non-operative diagnosis has become the norm in breast screening assessment. Until now, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been the sampling method of choice, but the more recent introduction of automated core biopsy guns, which facilitate sampling, has led to the implementation of core biopsy in assessment units.

The purpose of this document is to update pathologists on the role and use of FNAC and core biopsy in breast screening assessment. It also details the mechanisms used to assure the quality of cytological and core biopsy diagnosis.

The document constitutes the second edition of guidelines for cytology procedures and reporting in breast cancer screening. It updates and replaces the previous guidelines published as NHSBSP Publication No 22.

Copies of NHSBSP publications are normally free of charge for staff working within the NHS, the voluntary sector and for healthcare students. To order copies or obtain details of prices and availability of publications to those outside the NHS, please contact the Department of Health publication orderline: Telephone: 0300 123 1002, Textphone: 0300 123 1003, Fax: 01623 724 524, Email orders: [email protected]

NHS Breast Cancer Screening Publications