Evaluation of Abnormal Mammographic Findings in Initial Screening of 1000 Patients during 2008-2009 in Radiology Department of Imam Reza Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to categorize abnormal mammographic findings in 1000 patients according to Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) and to report most common age of abnormal mammographic findings, average age of incidence of malignancy and determination of suitable age to start the screening process in women. <br/>Materials and Methods:1000 patients attending Radiology department for mammographic screening during 2007-2008 were asked to participate in this study. One radiologist evaluated the mammograms and categorized patients based on the BI-RADS. <br/>Results: The average age of patients diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and in situ ductal carcinoma was 48±6.51years. The average age of patients in category 5 (that translates into “probably malignant") was (53±7.87) years. The average age of patients in other categories except for category 0 and category 1 that translates into “negative" was (52.07±7.81) years. There was also a significant relationship between patient's age and BI-RADS categories according to findings of this study. <br/>Conclusion: Based on early incidence of irregular mammographies (52.07 years) and early incidence of malignant findings in such mammographies <br/>(48± 6.51 years), it is suggested to implement screening programs in a great scale for patients older than 35 years old. Based on high percentage of patients with increased breast density findings in mammograms (11.6%) and diagnosis of two cases with invasive ductal carcinoma in this group, we recommend sonography of patients with such findings to rule out the presence or absence of malignancy with a higher accuracy for which mammograms lack a diagnostic value.