The International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytopathology: Analysis and discussion of the response to a web-based survey

Background A group of international experts in breast fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cytopathology, supported by the International Academy of Cytology (IAC), drafted a comprehensive system for reporting breast FNAB cytopathology in 2017-2018. The editorial team produced a survey to assess the international response to the proposed category structure, definitions, and management recommendations in this draft. Methods A web-based survey of 186 questions was generated using the Qualtrics software package (Provo, Utah) supported by the Division of Information Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The survey was advertised widely-including through the IAC, American Society of Cytopathology, Japanese Society of Clinical Cytology, Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology, and Australian Society of Cytology and to audiences at national and international meetings-and was available from April to June 2018. The data obtained from the 265 respondents was assessed by the editorial team. Results The survey provided a snapshot of the current role and use of breast FNAB and the international variations. Demographic questions were followed by specific questions based on the draft category definitions and statements and focused on issues that had generated discussion among the authors, including the FNAB diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ. Conclusion The survey results strongly supported the development of the IAC Yokohama System and informed subsequent discussions among the authors regarding the final text.

Automated summary

A group of international experts drafted a comprehensive system for reporting breast fine needle aspiration biopsy cytopathology, and conducted a web-based survey to assess international response. The survey results provided insights into the current role and use of breast FNAB globally, strongly supporting the development of the IAC Yokohama System.