Importance of extensive sampling methodology on the pick up rate of involvement of nipple areola in carcinoma breast .

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer for females 40-44 years of age which is responsible for 19% of cancer related death in women. 1 The exact percentage of NAC involvement in breast carcinoma cases depends on many parameters. Grossing methodology used can influence the pick up rate of carcinoma involvement in nipple areolar region in cases of carcinoma breast. Methods: Aim of the study was to compare the pick up rate of involvement of nipple areola complex in carcinoma breast cases by extensive nipple areolar sampling vs routine methodology. We studied 30 cases of breast carcinomas using extensive sampling methodology and compared the results with routine sectioning method. All the cases were having grossly uninvolved nipple areolar complex. Chisquare test was used to know if there was an association between the grossing technique and positivity rate of nipple areolar complex. Chi-square table was prepared and statistics was calculated using SPSS software. Result: There was a statistically significant association between the grossing methodology and pick up rate of nipple areolar involvement in carcinoma breast. Conclusion: Our findings showed that, if Only gross involvement of nipple is taken into consideration large amount of occult NAC involvement will be missed out, which can be picked up only by extensive sampling of NAC. Increase in the accuracy of involvement of nipple areolar complex can further guide in the treatment of breast carcinoma cases by nipple sparing mastectomy. DOI: 10.21276/AWCH.1512