Which cytology reporting result from fine needle aspiration should raise suspicion for possible malignancy in breast cancer assessment?

In the context of breast cancer assessment using fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, the reporting system used often categorizes findings into various categories that indicate different levels of concern for malignancy. In this system, categories such as C3, C4, and C5 are specifically designed to raise suspicion for possible malignancy.

C3 indicates atypical cells that are suspicious for malignancy; while these findings are not definitive, they warrant further investigation. C4 describes cells that are highly suggestive of malignancy, prompting immediate concern and diagnostic follow-up. C5 represents positive cytology for malignancy, indicating that cancer is likely present. The presence of any of these categories should alert clinicians to the increased possibility of breast cancer, leading to necessary further diagnostic work such as additional imaging or biopsies.

The other categories (such as C1 and C2) typically represent non-diagnostic findings or benign processes, indicating that there is either insufficient material to make a confident diagnosis or that the cellular changes observed are considered benign. Therefore, they do not raise the same level of concern for malignancy as C3, C4, and C5 do.

In summary, the selection of C3, C4, and C5 is appropriate because they