BREAST MALIGNANCIES IN NORTHERN GHANA: A 7-YEAR HISTOPATHOLOGY REVIEW AT THE TAMALE TEACHING HOSPITAL (2013 – 2019)

Abstract

Objectives: The Clinicopathological features of female breast malignancies (BMs) diagnosed in northern Ghana have not been documented adequately. The objectives of this review were to describe the annual trend, the clinico-pathological features of female BMs in northern Ghana, and offer recommendations. Material and methods: Clinical and biographical data of the patients were correlated with pathological data, such as tumour size, histological subtype, histological grade, TNM stage and the completeness of excision (Tumour margins). The data were analysed using SPSS software version 26.0 (Chicago). Fisher’s exact test was used to compare tumour variables. Results: There were 712 (61.0%) benign and 455 (39.0%) malignant lesions (P<0.0001). There was an annual rise in BMs over the review period. The mean age at diagnosis with invasive BMs was 47.5±15.4 years. Approximately, 35.0% were aged ≤39-years compared to 65.0% aged ≥40-years (p<0.0001). The commonest clinical presentation in both age groups was a painless palpable lump. Painful swelling (7.9%vs4.6%) and skin involvement (27.2%vs22.5%) were more common in women aged ≤39-years. Increased prevalence of positive tumour margins (P=0.0544), high histological grade (P<0.0001) and TNM stages (P<0.0001) were common in women≤39- years. However, mean nodal involvement by tumour was more common in women’ aged ≥40-years (6.1±4.5 vs 8.4±5). Conclusion: There was a steady annual rise in breast malignancies over the study period. Breast malignancies commonly affect relatively younger women with advanced stages at presentation. There is the need to intensify breast self-examination and early reporting to health facilities for treatment.