Spectrum of breast diseases in North Western India: an analysis of 8604 pathologies

Abstract

Background: There is paucity of data on the spectrum of breast diseases in India due to lack of reporting system. This study was conducted to understand the pattern of breast diseases in northwest India. It is by far the largest study to provide epidemiological data on breast disease spectrum in India. Methods: Total of 8604 breast pathological reports were obtained from four major diagnostic centers in North West India. These included benign and malignant breast lesions. Results: There were 5985 (69.56%) lesions in the benign group and 2619 (30.43%) lesions in malignant group. Women formed 92.73% (7978) of the study group. Among benign lesions, most common were discrete benign lumps 59.19% (3543) followed by fibrocystic changes 16.02% (959). The most common age group was ≤20 years for discrete benign lumps and gynecomastia whereas 31-40 years for fibrocystic changes. Among malignant lesions, the most common was infiltrating duct carcinoma (not otherwise specified) with 32.72% (857) followed by infiltrating duct carcinoma (moderately differentiated) 26.84% (703) with the most common age group of 41-50 years. Among breast lesions in men, male breast carcinoma formed 2.25% (59) of malignant breast lesions. Gynecomastia formed 0.65% (560) of all breast lesions. Conclusions: Most common breast lesions were discrete breast lumps. Benign lesions are more common in early 20’s while malignant lesions are more common in the 5th decade. The study revealed a higher proportion of male breast carcinoma.