Screening and Diagnostic Mammographic Findings Of 115 Consecutive Nigeria Women: A Two Year Study in a City Private Hospital

Abstract

Mammography is the technique of examination of the breast utility low energy radiation in the range 20- 35KV. At these energy ranges it is possible to obtain high resolution films on which fat can be clearly distinguished from other soft tissue densities.

Mammographic findings in 115 consecutive Nigeria women aged 18 - 65 years who attended the Health assessment clinic of Lagoon Hospital, Lagos between January 1992 and June 1994 are presented with a view to highlighting the technique of mammography and increasing the awareness of doctors as to the screening and diagnostic benefits of the investigation. We evaluated mammography findings in 115 Nigeria women to determine the indication for the use of this procedure. Women aged 30 – 39 were the commonly referred with breast lesions. Majority of the breast screened were normal. 32% were due to fibroadonoma and 1% had microcalcification. The frequency of abnormal findings was 29%. The decision on when to request for mammography could therefore be influenced by the findings in this report.


Keywords: Mammography, Screening, Diagnosis

NQJHM Vol. 14 (2) 2004: pp. 166-168