Can cytology accurately predict the malignancy of feline mammary gland tumours?

PICO Question In cats with mammary gland tumours, is cytology compared to histopathology an accurate method for predicting the malignancy of the tumour? Clinical bottom line Category of research Diagnosis. Number and type of study designs reviewed One case series and two diagnostic accuracy studies. Strength of evidence Moderate. Outcomes reported In cats with mammary gland tumours, cytology can reliably predict the malignancy of the tumour when compared to histopathology as the clinical reference standard. Conclusion There is moderate evidence to show that the diagnostic accuracy of cytology in predicting the malignancy of feline mammary gland tumours is high, especially in terms of sensitivity, but further research is needed to confirm its specificity. Due to the current uncertainties, all preoperative cytological diagnoses should be confirmed with a postoperative histopathological examination.