A study of 405 breast tumors in Jordanians using the Revised WHO classification

From the files over the period 1980-85 in two pathology centers in Amman, 405 breast tumors were classified according to the Revised WHO International histological classification; the pattern found resembled that reported from other countries. 228 tumors were malignant (80% invasive ductal) and 177 were benign (83% fibroadenomas). Tumor size as stated in pathology reports ranged between 1 and 8 cm with an average of 3.3 cm, 83% being larger than 2 cm. In only 110 malignancies, mastectomy specimens were submitted and 76% of them showed axillary lymph node involvement, in half affecting four or more lymph nodes. Interestingly, average size of fibroadenomas was 2.9 cm, so that for benign and malignant tumors alike, patients initially presented after the tumor had reached considerable size. Average age of cancer patients was 45 years; 46% were younger than 45 years of age. This study stresses standardization of histologic classification and the need to introduce early detection techniques in order to improve the outcome.