Cureus. 2026 Jun 6;18(6):e110377. doi: 10.7759/cureus.110377. eCollection 2026 Jun.
ABSTRACT
Background Benign breast diseases represent a heterogeneous group of non-neoplastic disorders frequently encountered in surgical practice. Despite their non-malignant nature, these lesions often produce significant concern among women because of their resemblance to breast carcinoma. Certain proliferative lesions are additionally associated with an increased future risk of malignancy, thereby highlighting the importance of accurate evaluation and timely diagnosis. Aim To evaluate the clinical, radiological, and pathological profile of benign breast diseases among women presenting to a tertiary care center and to describe the role of triple assessment in routine diagnostic evaluation. Methodology A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, over a six‑month period. Female patients aged 20-60 years presenting with breast‑related complaints were enrolled consecutively after obtaining informed consent. Detailed clinical examination, radiological assessment using ultrasonography and/or mammography, and pathological evaluation by fine‑needle aspiration cytology, core needle biopsy, or excision biopsy were performed wherever indicated. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, radiological findings, pathological diagnoses, laterality, and quadrant distribution were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results Eighty‑nine female patients were included in the study. The mean age at presentation was 34.4 years, with the majority of patients belonging to the reproductive age group. Mastalgia was the most frequent presenting complaint, either isolated (38.2%) or associated with a palpable lump (27.0%). Fibroadenoma was the most common pathological diagnosis, accounting for 31.46% of cases, followed by fibrocystic disease in 25.84% of patients. Left‑sided involvement was more frequent than right‑sided disease, while the upper outer quadrant represented the predominant site of localization among focal lesions. Conclusion Benign breast diseases constitute a major proportion of breast‑related morbidity in women of reproductive age. Triple assessment remains a dependable and effective diagnostic approach for accurate characterization of breast lesions and formulation of individualized treatment strategies. Early diagnosis and selective pathological confirmation are essential for reducing patient anxiety and preventing unnecessary surgical intervention.
PMID:42416960 | PMC:PMC13338488 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.110377
