Neoplastic Breast Lesions-a Histopathological Study with Special Emphasis on Histological Grading

Background and objectives: Breast neoplasms are the most common tumors affecting the women. This study was undertaken with an overall aim to explore the different aspects of breast tumors as one of the commonest neoplasia in women, particularly the histopathological features with special reference to histological grading.

Materials and methods: A prospective study was done in the department of Pathology, from June 2008 to May 2010. The specimens were collected from patients clinically diagnosed as having masses and histopathologically as tumors. All these lesions were classified according to World Health Organization classification.

Results: Hundred and ten cases were studied and data were analysed. All patients were females. Of the total 110 breast tumors, 62( 56.36% ) cases were benign, One( 00.90% ) ca-in situ, and 47 ( 42.72% ) were malignant. Fibroadenoma was the commonest among benign tumors. Of the malignant lesions studied 38 were infiltrating ductal carcinoma (80.85%), four (08.51%) were malignant phylloides, two (04.25%) were medullary carcinoma, two (04.25%) were lobular carcinoma and one (02.12%) was tubular carcinoma. Majority of malignant tumors were of grade I. ER/PR was positive in 16/22 cases. HER2/ neu was positive in 3/22 cases.

Conclusion: Morphological variants of invasive cancer have different biological outcomes. Distinguishing these heterogeneous forms of breast cancer along with grading is crucial for prognostic prediction. Therefore grading should be included as a component of minimum data set for histological reporting of breast cancer.