Reability of Tru-cut biopsies in the histopathological diagnosis of breast masses in Yaoundé

Abstract

Introduction: Breast masses have an important place in breast pathology and are a frequent reason for consultation. Surgical biopsy has long been the only diagnostic and therapeutic alternative. It remains the gold standard but the Tru-cut biopsy is increasingly used. In Cameroon there are few data on the relevance of the results of this examination. The objective of this work was therefore to study the histopathological correlation between Tru-cut biopsies and excision of breast masses in Yaoundé.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with retrospective data collection. It took place over a period of 10 years in four health facilities in the city of Yaoundé. Files of patients who underwent Tru-cut biopsy with adequate material and subsequent excision were included. Data were analyzed with C.S Pro 7.3 software.

Results: We recorded 794 patient’s files who underwent a Tru-cut biopsy, of which 160 had a sample that did not allow the diagnosis to be made. The percentage of adequate material was 80%. 78 were retained. The average age was 44.5 ± 9.6 years with a female predominance. Strong agreement was found for most of the items. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of Tru-cut biopsy were 96.7%, 100%, 100%, and 97.9%, respectively.

Conclusion: There is good agreement between the results of the Tru-cut biopsy and those of the surgical excision. It is therefore a reliable exam when it is well carried out.