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Histopathological Analysis of Breast Cancers in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria
Abstract
Background: This retrospective study was undertaken to analyse histologically diagnosed breast cancers in the Federal Medical Centre Makurdi which serves not only Benue State but also four neighbouring states of Nassarawa, Kogi, Taraba and Cross-Rivers.
Methodology: Archival records of all breast biopsies from January, 1997 to December, 2006 were retrieved and the following data extracted; age, sex, history/clinical features, and histological diagnosis. Where the record of the diagnosis was missing, fresh sections (3-5ì) were obtained from the formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue blocks and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Results were analysed using Epi Info version 3.5.1 and results displayed in tables and figures.
Results: Malignant breast lesions constituted 104 (33%) of a total 315 breast biopsies, of which invasive ductal carcinoma was the commonest histological type, 96 (92.3%). The age range of the patients was 17 -75 years with mean age of 44.8 years. The most prevalent age group was 31-50 years which accounted for 70.2% of cases. Features of advanced diseases such as positive axillary lymph nodes, ulceration wide of tumour were seen in 57.6% and 23.O% of cases respectively.
Conclusion: This study shows that breast cancer is prevalent in this environment, relatively affecting younger age groups and most of the patients presenting late for evaluation.
Methodology: Archival records of all breast biopsies from January, 1997 to December, 2006 were retrieved and the following data extracted; age, sex, history/clinical features, and histological diagnosis. Where the record of the diagnosis was missing, fresh sections (3-5ì) were obtained from the formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue blocks and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Results were analysed using Epi Info version 3.5.1 and results displayed in tables and figures.
Results: Malignant breast lesions constituted 104 (33%) of a total 315 breast biopsies, of which invasive ductal carcinoma was the commonest histological type, 96 (92.3%). The age range of the patients was 17 -75 years with mean age of 44.8 years. The most prevalent age group was 31-50 years which accounted for 70.2% of cases. Features of advanced diseases such as positive axillary lymph nodes, ulceration wide of tumour were seen in 57.6% and 23.O% of cases respectively.
Conclusion: This study shows that breast cancer is prevalent in this environment, relatively affecting younger age groups and most of the patients presenting late for evaluation.
