THE INCIDENCE OF BREAST CANCER IN EXAMINED BIOPSIES OF BREAST MASSES IN AL-HUSSAIN TEACHING HOSPITAL IN KERBALA

Abstract

Background:Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancy among females worldwide. Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 35 years with the most common hitological type being infiltrative ductal carcinoma.Objective:To determine the incidence of breast cancer in excised breast biopsy specimen in Al-Hussain Teaching Hospital in Kerbala governorate as well as determining the most prevalent histopathological type, pathological stage and grade at time of diagnosis.Methods:It was a statistical study in which a total of 200 excised biopsy and mastectomy specimens where enrolled in the study, biopsy processing and slide preparation from paraffin blocks was processed in the pathology laboratory in Al-Hussain teaching hospital in Kerbala from January 2011 – January 2012.Results:Out of 200 cases who were initially enrolled in the study, 140 (70%) were benign, and 60 (30%) were malignant. The highest incidence of breast cancer was found among 40-49 years age and ductal carcinoma is the most common histological type.Conclusions:Breast cancer accounts for about 30% from all excused biopsy materials in Al-Hussain Teaching Hospital in Kerbala. This study highlights some of the features of breast cancer seen in this region; younger age, intermediate stage at presentation, and higher incidence in housewives. In contrast to data from the West, where more than half of breast cancer patients are above 50 years of age and higher incidence among high socioeconomic group.Key words:Breast cancer, lesions, histopathology, incidence, percent.