Abstract:

Introduction: Triple test (mammography, Fine needle aspiration cytology and physical examination) can be used accurately in patients presenting with palpable breast masses. We studied the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the three components. Aims and

Objectives: This study aimed at the assessment of palpable breast masses in north Indian women using triple test.

Materials and Methods: Prospectively for one year 52 female patients who presented with a palpable breast lump were assessed using all three components of the triple test.

Results: Physical examination showed 57.14% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed 71.43% sensitivity, 96.97% specificity and 90.91% positive predictive value whereas mammography revealed 50% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value. The overall predictive value of the triple test score was 94.87%

Conclusions: Triple Test i.e. combined physical, radiologic and cytological diagnosis is more sensitive and specific than any procedure used alone. The study shows that when TT is concordant i.e. TTS score is more than 6, the final treatment may be ensued without confirmatory biopsy.