Pattern and distribution of female breast masses seen in secondary health facility in Lagos

Abstract

Background: Evaluation of a palpable breast mass requires a systematic approach to the history, physical examination, and radiographic imaging studies to ensure a correct diagnosis. Palpable breast masses are common and usually benign, but efficient evaluation and prompt diagnosis are necessary to rule out malignancy. A thorough clinical breast examination, imaging, and tissue sampling are needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Aim: To study the distribution and pattern of breast masses in secondary health facility in Lagos.
Method: This study was carried out in two hospitals in Lagos over a period of 5 years January 2010 to December2014. The hospitals are General Hospital, Ikorudu and General Hospital, Orile-Agege. All patients with palpable breast masses were evaluated with history, physical examination, ultrasonography, mammography, Fine Needle Aspiration cytology (FNAC) and/or trucut biopsy in cases that required such investigation. Excisional Biopsy was done for benign masses and histology was obtained in all cases.
Results: In this study 193 patients were seen with different types of breast masses. Histological diagnosis was obtained for all cases. The age range was 10years to 70years. Fibroadenoma was the most common diagnoses accounting for 126 (65.28%) of all cases, breast cancers accounted for 49 (25.38), cystosarcomaphyloides and fibrocystic diseases accounted for 5 patients (2.6%) each respectively, breast lipoma accounted for 3 (1.6%) while breast abscesses and ductal papillomas accounted for 2 (1%) each respectively. Tubular adenoma accounted for 1(0.5%).
Conclusion: Fibroadenoma and breast cancinoma are the most common breast masses seen. Hence histological evaluation is very important.

Key words Pattern, Distribution, Breast masses