Pattern of breast ultrasound findings in Zaria, North Western Nigeria

Background: With increasing level of breast cancer awareness among Nigerians, more patients are presenting with breast symptoms. Ultrasound is relied upon significantly since mammographic facilities are few and breast magnetic resonance imaging is either too expensive or unavailable. Our study aimed at presenting the breast ultrasound findings among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective review of 603 patients who were referred from Surgical and general out-patient departments of our hospital for breast ultrasound scan between January 2015 and July 2017. Whole breast scans were performed using a single Mindray DC-8 (2011) Ultrasound machine, fitted with a 7–12 MHz transducer. The findings were described, recorded, and a final assessment category assigned using the American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Reports and Data systems (BI-RADS) classification as follows: 1 (negative), 2 (benign), 3 (probably benign), 4 (suspicious), 5 (highly suggestive for malignancy), and 6 (known biopsy proven malignancy). Histological diagnoses were sought for abnormal ultrasound findings. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software for Windows version 20, Chicago, IL. Results: The patients comprised of 591 females and 12 males, with a mean age of 35.7 ± 13.0 years. The most common indication was breast lump (44.3%). BI-RADS 1 was the most common category (44.6%), followed by BI-RADS 3 (25.9%). Mass lesion was the most frequent sonographic finding (45.3%). Others were calcifications, 33 (5.5%); architectural distortion, 67 (11.1%); edema, 52 (8.6%); vascular lesion, 1 (0.16%); and ductal abnormalities, 55 (9.1%). The incidence of breast cancer increased with increasing age. Conclusion: Our predominant ultrasound findings were negative (normal or benign). This supports the use of ultrasound as a first-line diagnostic breast imaging modality in our community. Its added advantage of availability, radiation safety, and less cost makes it an indispensable tool.