RISK OF FIBROADENOMA IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH BREAST LUMP

Abstract

Background Breast lump remains one of the common clinical presentations in surgical practice, and worry about malignant potential is always a concern. Fibroadenoma is the most common lesion encountered aroused breast diseases especially in young women. Much, though its relative frequency and age distribution varies across populations so local data are needed to shape helpful clinical information. Objective To assess the risk (incidence) of fibroadenoma among patients who visit with breast lump. Study Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study Study conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi from January 2024 to December 2024. Methods The records of patient treated with breast lump were evaluated. Age, sex, clinical presentation before surgery, imaging findings and histopathological diagnosis were obtained. Triple assessment including clinically, imaging [ultrasound and/or mammography (MAMO)] and cytological/histopathological evaluation [fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or core biopsy] was done in all patients. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, while associations were evaluated based on the chi-square test with p ≤ 0.05 is considered statically significant. Results In total, 180 patients were enrolled with a mean age of 26.8 ± 8.4 years. The majority were females (97.2%). Fibroadenoma was the most prevalent breast lesion, accounting for 102 (56.7%) of patients diagnosed with such a condition. The frequency highest in the age group of 21–30 years. Younger age was significantly associated with fibroadenoma (p = 0.001). Conclusion Fibroadenoma is the most prevalent cause of a breast lump, especially in young women. Triple assessment allows accurate diagnosis to guide management and discard malignancy.