Pattern of Breast Lesions in A Breast Clinic in Kirkuk, Iraq

Abstract

Background: The pathology profile of breast lesions is still not well defined in Kirkuk province and the rest of IRAQ. Breast diseases constitute a heterogeneous group, in which benign neoplasm is the leading lesion. Knowledge of the pattern of such lesions can provide better understanding of its causes natural history and preventive strategies. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the pattern of breast lesions in patients who consulted the breast clinic in Kirkuk, during a nine years period (Jan 1994 – Jan 2003) in order to assist initiation of further studies to highlight the natural history of breast diseases mainly breast cancer.Methods & patients: The study consists of (2000) patients, with breast problems who consulted the breast clinic in Kirkuk. The outline of the breast lesions are tabulated and classified as inflammatory, benign and malignant, in addition to other lesions like congenital, functional, and developmental ones. Results: Inflammatory lesions are the commonest in this study (30.7%) followed by benign neoplasm (22.25%), malignant (6.9%) and other benign conditions (40.15%). Conclusion: The rate for breast lesions varied in different studies where benign neoplasm constituted the most common one followed by malignant lesions, inflammatory and other lesions. In this study inflammatory disease is the commonest breast lesion followed by benign and then by malignant neoplasm. Key words: Breast lesion, breast clinic, Kirkuk