Mean Micronuclei Score in Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Patients with Malignant Breast Lump in the Department of Pathology in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Micronucleus is used as a biomarker of chromosomal instability, which is one of the hallmarks of neoplastic transformation. As micronuclei score increases with malignancy, it can be an effective and inexpensive adjunct to breast fine needle aspiration cytology, in diagnosing breast lumps, especially detecting grey lesions between benign and malignant tumours. The aim of this study is to find out the mean micronuclei score in fine-needle aspiration cytology of patients with malignant breast lumps in the Department of Pathology in a tertiary care centre. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with malignant breast lumps in the Department of Pathology in a tertiary care centre between 1 May 2020 to 31 May 2021 after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: IRC/2139/021). The fine-needle aspiration cytology of breast lumps was diagnosed as per National Health services breast screening program guidelines. The mean micronuclei score was calculated. Convenience sampling was done and data were collected from the hospital records in the Department. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Among 20 malignant breast aspirates, the mean micronuclei score was found to be 8.30±3.75 (3-19, 95% Confidence Interval). CONCLUSIONS: The mean micronuclei score in fine-needle aspiration cytology of malignant breast lumps was found to be similar when compared to similar studies conducted in similar settings.