Histological Diagnostic Study of Breast Cancer in Maysan Governorate: A Comparative Analysis between Male and Female Patients

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the histopathological spectrum of breast cancer and to provide the comparisons by sex where possible.

Study Design: Descriptive histopathology study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Oncology Department, Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital (Maysan) from 1st January 2026 to 31st March 2026.

Methods: 100 breast tumor tissue specimens (97 females and 3 males) obtained from the tissues were fixed in 10% formalin and processed using routine paraffin embedding and Hematoxylin–Eosin staining were selected. Slides evaluated by light microscopy (10X, 40 X, 100 X). Recorded features included tumor architecture and cytology (e.g., nuclear pleomorphism, hyperchromasia, prominent nucleoli, multinucleation), stromal changes, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and vascular/lymphovascular involvement.

Results: Invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type predominated. Common microscopic findings included cohesive malignant epithelial clusters with marked nuclear atypia and dense chromatin; frequent tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes; and evidence of intravascular/lymphovascular tumor cells in a subset of cases. Additional observations comprised stromal reactions and occasional multinucleation with prominent nucleoli. These features collectively indicate aggressive biological potential and risk of dissemination in part of the cohort.

Conclusion: Invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type predominated, with frequent lymphovascular invasion and marked nuclear atypia, underscoring the need for earlier detection, stronger pathology services, and a baseline for receptor/molecular subtyping studies.