Frequency of Benign and Malignant Breast Growth Among Women of Different Age Groups in Larkana Population

Abstract

Objective: To determine the most common histopathologic variants of benign and malignant breast growths in women of different age groups of Larkana population

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Chandka Medical College, Larkana from March 2021 to March 2023.

Materials and Methods: 210 women were recruited by purposeful sampling techniques all of whom presented with a growth in either breast or had an indication of trucut biopsy. Information regarding patient characteristics was collected in OPD. Biopsy specimens were processed and examined by a histopathologist. Various types of breast lesions were confirmed on histopathological examination and data was analyzed.

Results: Benign breast lesions were far more common than malignant ones. The most common benign lesion was found to be fibroadenoma followed by phyllodes tumor. These lesions were more common in young women below 30 years of age. Malignant tumors were more common in women above 40 years of age. The most common malignant breast tumor was found to be invasive ductal carcinoma.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that malignant tumors are more commonly found in women above 40 years of age in Larkana population. Thus, we recommend screening programs for breast cancer in this age group.