Clinical presentations of carcinoma breast in rural population of North India: a prospective observational study
Background: There is an ever increasing incidence in cases of carcinoma breast in developing countries, however no definitive cause is found. Since it presents as painless lump, patients neglect the disease and come to hospital often in late stages. This study was planned to investigate the causes for late presentation of the patients with carcinoma breast in North Indian population.Methods: This is a prospective observational study; it included fifty cases of carcinoma breast proven by FNAC/Trucut biopsy. All these cases were admitted in the department of general surgery and thoroughly examined and investigated. The details of investigations, management, morbidity & mortality were noted down & results calculated with appropriate statistical analysis.Results: Most of the female patients were in the age group of 31-60 years. Maximum patients presented with breast lumps, but most of them had lump more than 5 cm (T3) in size with spread to axillary lymph nodes N1 or N2. Surgery in the form of Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM), adjuvant & neo-adjuvant Chemotherapy as per the stage of the disease and hormonal therapy in the form of Tamoxifen was given.Conclusions: Poor treatment compliance in the form of irregularity to turn up for chemotherapy cycles has resulted in more number of mastectomies. Numbers of patients lost to follow up were more due to unaffordability of the cost incurred and lack of awareness. True mortality rate and recurrence rate could not be commented upon as a longer period of follow up was required.