Mammographic classifcation of breast lesions amongst women in Enugu, South East Nigeria.

Uchechukwu I Nwadike1, Charles U Eze1, Kelvin Agwuna2, Chibuzo Mouka1
1. Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology,
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Nigeria
2. Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Nigeria.

Abstract
Objectives: The study was to classify lesions identifed on mammograms using Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) grading method. This was in view of ascertaining the rate of occurrence of breast malignancy of the studied population.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 416 mammographic reports of women was undertaken. The reports were written by consultant radiologists of 10 years’ experience and above. The reports were evaluated and characterised using Breast Imaging Reporting and Data system (BIRADS). Demographic data of patients were sourced from the request cards. The data was entered into a proforma and analysed using SPSS version 17. All request cards with incomplete data were excluded from the study.

Results: Using the BI-RADS Classifcation, the mammographic reports shows that 29.57% of the lesions were benign, and 4.57% were suspicious and biopsy recommended, while 3.60% were highly suggestive of malignancy. The right breast was predominantly affected with 42.7% of the patients (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Classifcation of breast lesion using BI-RADS grading system is a veritable tool in the diagnosis of the breast lesion. The present study shows that 3.6% of the population has a high index of malignancy.

Keywords: Mammography, breast, lesion, BI-RADS classifcation.