Diagnostic mammography in Sokoto: A review of 123 cases

Background: Diagnostic mammography is a radiographic examination of the breast to detect the palpable and nonpalpable lesions. More than 1.15 million women are diagnosed of breast cancer yearly worldwide. Objective: This study is aimed at evaluating the mammographic outcomes among 123 Nigerian females who had the sign and symptoms of breast diseases. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study (retrospective in nature) of 123 adult females who came for diagnostic mammography between December 2010 and November 2012 at the mammographic suite of radiology department UDUTH. MLO and CC views were done for the breast examination though compression views were occasionally employed. Results: One hundred and twenty-three females had diagnostic mammography, with a minimum age of 30 years. The prevalence of diagnostic mammography within the stated period is 61.5%. The mammographic findings were normal in 62 (50.4%) and abnormal in 61 (49.6%) of the subjects. The abnormal mammographic findings were masses in either or both breasts in 45 participants (36.6%), architectural distortion in either or both breasts in 10 participants (8.1%), isolated calcification in either or both breasts in 4 participants (3.3%), left retracted nipple in 1 (0.8%) participant while another subject (0.8%) had a retracted right nipple. Conclusion: Diagnostic mammography can detect the various forms of breast pathologies which were mostly breast masses, calcifications, and architectural distortions. These findings affirmed the need of routine early screening so that breast diseases can be detected early.