On the basis of cytology performed in a group of 386 women and 14 men admitted to the Breast Disease Outpatient Unit in the area of Sucha Beskidzka, a structure of changes in breast benign and malignant neoplasms was defined. The diagnostic value of cytology based on FNB and a secretion from mammary glands were evaluated. Expression of p53 and nm23 protein expression in the cells of the most common cancers was studied for prognostic values. The study demonstrated 81% of benign changes and 19% of cancers. With respect to cancers, cytology confirmed its usefulness since the findings were compatible in 94.44% with histopathologic results. Moreover, application of proliferation markers (p53 and nm23) allowed to evaluate the degree of malignancy and prognosis for further neoplastic process.

Keywords: proliferation markers, breast pathology, cytodiagnostics