Spectrum of Lesions Presenting As a Breast Lump

Abstract

Introduction: Breast lump is a common problem seen in the Surgery Outpatient Department which is caused by various benign or malignant conditions. Diagnosis depends upon the clinical examination, radiological examination and pathological examination called as triple assessment. However accurate diagnosis depends on pathological examination in the form of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or biopsy. The objective of this study was to find out the spectrum of conditions causing breast lump.

Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of 95 cases of breast lump who presented to surgery department and undergone fine needle aspiration cytology from April 14, 2015 to April 13, 2019 at KIST Medical College Teaching Hospital and the findings were analyzed.

Results: Among total of 95 cases of breast lump, majority of patients was below the age of 40 years (72.63%) showing benign lesions in 84 patients (88.42%). Among benign lesions, fibroadenoma (33.33%) was commonest diagnosis followed by benign cyst (19.05%). Infiltrating Ductal carcinoma was diagnosed in 10 patients with age above 40 years (90%).In 14 patients where histopathological diagnosis was available, 12 patients showed benign lesions corresponding with FNAC reports. Two patients had modified radical mastectomy following FNAC report showing carcinoma which correlated with it.

Conclusion: Breast lump is caused by various benign or malignant conditions depending upon the different age group. Fine needle aspiration cytology or histopathological examination is the effective diagnostic tool.