Wolfe’s Mammographic Breast Parenchymal Pattern: A Study In North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Different breast parenchymal patterns are noted among women as seen on mammography and these have been classified by various ways including the initial Wolfe’s method and assist as indicators of the risk of breast cancer. This prospective research carried out between 2014 and 2016 was to assess the mammographic breast parenchymal patterns according to Wolfe’s classification and determine their prevalence in our local Nigerian environment. Successive mammographs were evaluated to identify the Wolfe’s parenchymal patterns and the results were recorded along with the age, indications, findings and BIRADS classification. Data were entered into a computer spread sheet and analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) version 15 and results were presented in tables and figures. A total of 162 females were studied. Their ages ranged between 31years and 86years with a median age of 45years. The mean age was 47.04 with a standard deviation of 9.15. Most females studied were above 50years (45, 27.8%) while the least number of the studied females were below 35years (12, 7.4%). Mammography was requested mostly for routine screening (36, 22.2%). Most mammograms evaluated were adjudged as normal (101, 62.3%). The Wolfe parenchymal pattern with highest frequency is the N1 pattern (111, 68.5%) while the pattern with the least frequency is P2 pattern (6, 3.7%). Highest abnormal mammographic findings were seen in those above 50years of age (19, 31.1%). The 36-40 years age group was observed with the highest frequency of the P2 and DY (dense) parenchymal patterns (2, 6.7% and 8, 26.7% respectively) The DY pattern was the predominant pattern associated with abnormal mammographic findings (18, 29.5%). Advocacy for provision of more functional mammography machines and public enlightenment on mammography should be vigorously pursued in our region as an important public health program.