Clinico-pathological presentation of breast carcinoma and its correlation with β hCG

The pathophysiological role of HCG is currently speculative and seems to be paradoxes as certain studies advice it has anti-cancer properties while few others found it to be pro-cancer agent. In this study we have evaluated the status of beta hCG receptors in patients with breast carcinoma and its association with various clinic-pathological factors.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on total of 57 patients who were enrolled in the study, all tests including metastatic work up were done. Patients underwent modified radical mastectomy on the affected side after being declared fit by the anaesthetist. Immunohistochemical analysis was done using ER antibody, PR88, CB11 and for beta hCG was done using ab-53087.

The average age at diagnosis was 55.77 years. There was a significant correlation between age at diagnosis and age at first child birth. On correlating size of the tumour with Beta hCG receptor status, Patients with tumour size 2 to 5 cms have shown maximum positivity for beta hCG receptors. On correlating stage of the disease with Beta HCG receptor status, it was found that, carcinoma tissues showed more receptor positivity as the stage increased. In histological staining grade, Nottingham's scoring system was used which showed majority of patients belonged to grade 2.

Comparison of other tumour characteristics such as histopathological type, grade, tumour size and nodal status were similar among the studies done in Western and Indian regions. The similarities of the current as well as the above mentioned Indian studies with Western countries could be attributed to increasing awareness and better screening protocols for breast carcinoma.