Scientific Research and Essays Vol. 2 (12), 502-507, December 2007 
ISSN 1992-2248 © 2007 Academic Journals

Pictorial Essay

Spectrum of mammographic findings in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Akinola Rachael A.¹, Akinola Oluwarotimi I.², Jinadu Faosat O.¹

¹Radiology Department, College of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos

²Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, College of Medicine, LASUTH, Ikeja, Lagos

*Corresponding author. Email: adeyanjuakinola@yahoo.com

Accepted 20 November, 2007

Abstract

The number of mammography examinations done in Nigerian hospitals has increased tremendously over the last three years, due to the breast cancer awareness of the general populace, recent acquisition of mammography machines and attempts at setting up national breast screening programmes. Mammography plays an extremely important role in the diagnostic assessment and screening of breast cancer. There has however been no documentation of mammographic findings in our environment to serve as guide for practitioners. An appreciation of non-pathological findings in relation to abnormal findings is needed to avoid the practice of unnecessary and sometimes aggressive procedures. This study was undertaken to analyze and document the significant mammographic findings in a new tertiary institution over the last three years. Three hundred consecutive patients sent for screening and diagnostic mammography had their mammograms reviewed. Significant findings were recorded and compared to histopathological and ultrasound findings. The various types of breast density found included fatty, dense, fibrofatty and fibroglandular breast. The pathologies found ranged from masses (cysts, fibroadenoma and cancer), dilated ducts, skin thickening or tethering, keloids, surgical clips, and calcifications to microcalcifications. This pictorial essay describes and illustrates the mammographic appearances of normal variants and various pathologies elicited in 300 consecutive patients seen in this radiology department.

Key words: Pictorial essay, mammography, tertiary hospital, Nigeria.