Histopathological Patterns and Diagnostic Outcomes of Cancerous and Non-Cancerous Breast Tumors

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women worldwide and a leading cause of cancer mortality. In low- and middle-income countries, age distribution, delayed diagnosis and pathological features contribute to distinct clinical patterns. Histopathological evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and prognostication. This study aimed to analyze the histopathological patterns of malignant and benign breast tumors and assess the associations between histopathological features and tumor grade.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka, from January to December 2025. A total of 300 histopathologically confirmed breast tumors were included. Demographic and clinicopathological data were collected and malignant tumors were graded using standard criteria. The associations between histopathological features and tumor grade were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.

Results: Among the 300 patients, 125 had malignant and 175 had benign tumors. Malignant tumors were frequent in women aged ≥50 years (41.6%), with a mean age of 46.8 ± 13.3 years, whereas benign lesions predominated in those aged < 40 years (70.9%). Right-sided involvement was more common in malignant cases than in benign cases. Intratumoral necrosis (p=0.02) and desmoplasia (p=0.002) were significantly associated with higher tumor grade. Among benign lesions, chronic breast abscesses (19.4%) and fibrocystic disease (16.0%) were the most frequent.

Conclusion: Breast tumors exhibit marked histopathological diversity, with significant grade-related associations in malignant cases and a spectrum of benign lesions. A detailed pathological evaluation remains fundamental for accurate diagnosis and management.