Evaluation of breast diseases in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Ante-natal care is a good screening point for various diseases in women including breast conditions. Objective: The study was done to evaluate breast diseases among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of National Hospital, Abuja. Methods: This was a longitudinal comparative study involving antenatal clinic attendees at the National Hospital, Abuja. Clinical based examination and breast ultrasonography were done at the antenatal booking clinic between 16-26 weeks gestational age (based on last menstrual period) in consenting pregnant women. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was done in women with breast mass on clinical breast examination, breast ultrasonography or both to determine the characteristics of the mass. Results: Sixty four pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria for the study were recruited. The age of the patients ranged from 20-42 years, with a mean gestational age at recruitment of 21 weeks and 4 days. A total of three masses (4.7%) (two solid and one cystic) were detected in the antenatal period. All solid masses were detected by both clinical breast examination and breast ultrasound scan while the cystic mass was detected by breast ultrasound scan. Fibroadenomas were detected on FNAC. Conclusion: Breast diseases can occur during pregnancy. Examination of the breast as part of antenatal care will help in the early detection of breast lesions and management.