Accuracy of the "triple test" in the diagnosis of palpable breast masses in Saudi females.

Background: For patients who present to clinicians with palpable breast lesions, the triple test: (physical examination, mammography and fine-needle aspiration cytology) can be employed to provide accurate diagnosis. In this study, the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of triple test components were studied separately and in combination.

Material And Methods: During the study period (from January 1998 to December 1999), 140 patients with palpable breast masses were subjected to all components of the triple test followed by confirmatory open biopsy.