Their advice about cysts is reasonable. Having treated 8 patients with a cancer that was in the wall of a cyst or adjacent to a cyst, I can verify that all of them were detected by dark or maroon-coloured blood on aspiration of the cyst or by the persistence of a lump after aspiration. The fluid usually aspirated from a cyst does not need to be sent for cytologic examination as they correctly observe. However, they fail to mention that the cells from a solid lump should definitely be sent for examination.
Pathologists are very accurate in confirming the diagnosis on cytologic examination.
It is not good practice to stick a needle into a lump and then discard the cells. The cells in the barrel of that needle will supply a diagnosis. Anyone who aspirates a breast lump should obtain slides and pathological confirmation. Edward B. Fish, MD Toronto, Ont.