Publication:

Analysis of histopathological findings of breast biopsies at a tertiary care centre

Background In India, breast cancer has become a leading cause of cancer death. The indication of a breast lump can be cause of great concern in most patients. While most of the lumps are benign in nature, there is a possibility of an increased risk of developing premalignant lesions. Any breast mass/lump requires histological diagnosis to get a clear picture of the lump associated problems.

Methods This is a retrospective, descriptive and a cross-sectional study of all the patients with breast lumps seen in Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute from January 2018 till March 2022. Histopathology reports of breast biopsies of patients required at Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute were included in the study.

Results The total number of cases of breast biopsies available were 449. These cases are grouped into benign and malignant cases which comprise of 276 (61.47%) and 173 (38.53%) cases respectively. The most common benign diagnosis observed was fibroadenoma which accounted for 184 (66.67%) cases. Based on age grouping, the 21-40 age group contained the maximum number of benign cases. The most common malignancy observed was of ductal carcinoma with 163 (94.21%) cases. Based on age grouping, the age group of 41-60 contained the maximum number of malignant cases.

Conclusions It is imperative that all breast lesions should undergo biopsies irrespective of clinical findings for the following reasons: rising incidence of breast cancer, to rule out/confirm malignancy and to complete the diagnostic triad of clinical diagnosis, radiology and pathology.