Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Fibroadenoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• General Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Fibroadenoma is the most common benign breast lesion globally and in Pakistan.
• The relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and benign breast diseases remains unclear, with conflicting evidence.
• Clinicians face challenges in deciding between surgical removal and monitoring of fibroadenomas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the prevalence of fibroadenoma.
• To explore potential risk factors for fibroadenoma development in a Pakistani population.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
• Data were collected from 300 patients with benign breast disease, including weight, height, and age.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21.

Main Results:

• The study found a higher prevalence of fibroadenoma in patients with high BMI (30.8%) compared to normal (11.1%) or low BMI (10.8%).
• Adolescent age group showed an increased risk of fibroadenoma formation (OR=8.54, P<0.001).
• Higher BMI correlated with fibroadenoma location in the upper outer quadrant (t=4.326, P<0.01), but not with lesion size or number.

Conclusions:

• Elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) appears to be a substantial risk factor for fibroadenoma development.
• Young adolescent females with higher BMI are particularly at increased risk for fibroadenomas.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex relationship between BMI and benign breast conditions.