Breast diseases in the Northern region of Saudi Arabia

The incidence and pattern of breast diseases varies within countries. There is virtually no information on breast diseases found in the Northern region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study hopes to provide data in this area.

We reviewed the histological and clinical records of 708 patients who presented to General Surgery in Prince Abdul-Rahman Al-Sudairy Central Hospital, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, KSA, with breast complaints over an 8-year period (June 1994 and June 2002). Breast findings were categorized in terms of benign, inflammatory, malignant, congenital and functional. Benign diseases were also evaluated in terms of their proliferative status and cancer risk.

The findings in order were benign breast disease in 245 (48.9%) were most common, inflammatory disease, 213 (42.5%), and finally cancer of the breast in 43 (8.6%). Fibroadenoma was the most common benign disease. Twenty-seven (5.4%) of benign breast disease were lesions with a cancer relative risk ranging from 1.6-4.4. Breast abscess was the most common inflammatory disease. Ductal carcinoma was the most common breast cancer. Breast cancer was bulky and presented late in mostly premenopausal women.

Breast diseases are common among our patients. Although benign disease is the most common, some patients have lesions that have a small but definite cancer risk. Of concern is the pattern of advanced breast cancer, which presents mostly in young premenopausal women. A concerted educational program is needed to acquaint the patients with the significance of breast masses.