Benign breast diseases constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions including developmental abnormalities, inflammatory lesions, epithelial and stromal proliferations, and neoplasms (1). A considerable proportion of breast lumps are not malignant and therefore it is important to establish the correct diagnosis before embarking for definite treatment. Aim: The aim of this study was a) to establish the use of ne needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as a primary diagnostic tool in cases of benign breast lumps, b) to compare the cytologic diagnosis with the histopathological diagnosis and c) To nd out the cause of false positive and false negative results. Methods: Present study of 'FNAC of breast lesions' was carried out in a tertiary care institute and 346 cases of benign breast lesions were studied. Detailed history and clinical ndings including general, local and systemic examination were noted. Cytomorphologic features of the breast lesions were studied in detail and correlated with clinical and histological features. Observations were noted down under various parameters. Results: The maximum number of patients was seen in the age group of 21-30 years (136 cases). The most common cytological diagnosis was broadenoma (245 cases). Conclusion: FNAC is a rapid, simple, reliable and economic tool with excellent acceptance by the patients.