Abstract: Objective 　To explore the value of fine needle aspiration cytology ( FNAC) in the detection and diagnosis of breast masses. Methods 　1 115 cases of breast masses that were sampled by FNAC were retrieved f rom the records of the cytopathology laboratory. Results 　Comparison with histology was possible in 328 cases. The diagnoses obtained by FNAC showed that the overall diagnostic accuracy was96. 8 % and the misdiagnositic rate was 3. 2 %. Meanwhile, doubtful cancer (in 63) was 5. 65 % of total breast masses. Conclusion 　Ensuring optimal patient management, FNAC of breast masses is reliable for diagnosis. We advocate keeping FNAC as a first-line diagnostic procedure, in order to maximize the availability of health care to women with breast mass.