1. Dr. V. J. Ekanem MBBCh, MSc, MHPM, FMCPath, FCPath (ECSA)
Professor/Consultant Pathologist

2. Not every swelling in the breast is cancer
Some swellings (Tumour) maybe benign while others maybe malignant

3. It is important that the proper diagnosis is made
The diagnosis made by the pathologist can prevent you from unnecessary surgery
A proper diagnosis made can determine the extent of the surgery
Sometimes the treatment of breast cancer may require removal

4. It is an offense for the breast of a woman (with cancer) to be removed without histological diagnosis

5. The pathologist is important in the histological diagnosis
The pathologist play important role in the follow-up of patients with breast cancer
The pathologist can help in determining the effectiveness of the treatment given to a patient
The spread of the cancer to other parts of the can be determined by the pathologist

6. The pathologist can help to determine which type of breast cancer can response to a particular drug
This can be done by immunohistochemistry
Molecular study

7. Small sample is usually required most of the time in making diagnosis
The sample can collected by
Fine needle aspiration
Trucut needle biopsy
Incisional biopsy
Mastectomy

8. Survival of breast cancer patient is generally related to specific histological types
Invasive carcinoma (NOS) has approximately 10-year survival rate of 50 to 60%
Whereas medullary, adenoid cystic, papillary and tubular carcinoma are more favourable

9. Normal breast histology

11. Breast cancer

12. Thank you