Study of serum fucose level in breast malignancy

Abstract

Background: Although for advanced tumour of breast have certain obvious physical characteristics, seldom is such physical finding seen in early malignant breast tumour. Keeping all these in mind, the present study aims at estimation of serum fucose which may help in early detection of breast malignancy.Methods: The present study was carried out over a period of one and a half year. A total of 68 patients were studied. Out of these 68 cases, 32 cases were having breast malignancy. After noting details history, through examination was done according to the proforma. Investigations were carried out as shown in proforma. Estimation of serum fucose was done in all these cases. Estimation of serum fucose was also done pre-operatively and in post-operative period.Results: It is evident from this that 70% of malignant lumps were seen in upper and outer quadrant of breast, 25% lumps in lower quadrant. It is obvious that as age advances average serum fucose level in breast cancer, starts decreasing. Thus younger patients have high Serum level as compared to old patients. Rise in serum level with the progression of stage of breast cancer. There was significant reduction observed in serum fucose level after surgery (p<0.0001).Conclusions:The estimation of serum fucose level can be used to screen cases of breast malignancy though neither as a strong arbiter, nor as a distinct diagnostic test. Its use is only as an ancillary investigation which may provide collaborative evidence only.