Carcinoma breast, late presentation-a big concern

Abstract

Objectives: To study the different presentation patterns and their treatment options in advanced carcinoma breast. Design: A retrospective observational study Settings: North Surgical Ward, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from November 2004 to April 2006. Patients and Methods: In total, 156 patients with carcinoma breast, confirmed histopathologically by biopsy and /or FNAC, were included in this study. Information was gathered from them using a structured questionnaire. Results: The peak incidence of carcinoma breast was found to be between 31- 45 years of age. Majority of these patients presented in stage II (22%). Maximum number of patients presented in stage III (56%). However stage IV disease was also found in 12% of patients` population. But stage I disease was least commonly presented disease (10%). And infiltrative ductal carcinoma was the most prevalent (94%) histologic type. Modified radical mastectomy was the surgical treatment adopted in about 72% of cases with adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: Advance stage breast lump with local or locoregional spread remained the commonest mode of presentation of carcinoma breast . And infiltrative ductal carcinoma is the commonest histologic variant. Majority of the of patients with carcinoma breast in Pakistan still present in advanced stages where almost no cosmetically more acceptable surgical procedure can be carried out.