Imaging and clinical features of breast cancer in young Mexican women: long delay between self-detection and seeking medical attention

Abstract

Introduction: The interval between self-detection of clinical signs during breast self-examination and seeking medical attention in young women (< 40 years old) with breast cancer has not been evaluated in the Mexican population. There are also limited data on specific imaging findings. This study aimed (1) to determine the interval between self-detection of clinical signs and seeking medical attention in young Mexican women (< 40 years old) with breast cancer and (2) to describe the imaging ultrasound (US) and mammographic findings and clinical characteristics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included young women (< 40 years old) who self-detected clinical signs of histologically confirmed breast cancer and were examined with US grayscale and Doppler color, and mammography. Clinical signs such as a palpable lump, bloody discharge from the nipple or nipple retraction, and enlarged breast volume were recorded. The BI-RADS categories were used for evaluation. The interval between self-detection of clinical signs and seeking medical attention was also recorded. Results: A total of 43 patients aged 33.8 ± 4.5 years (range 21-39 years) were included. Most patients (n = 30, 69.8%) had more than 90 days between self-detection of a breast sign and seeking medical attention, with a mean of 300 ± 7.8 days (range 30-1080 days). A palpable lump was the most common self-detected clinical sign in 37 (86.0%) patients. US and mammography showed BI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions suspicious of malignancy in all patients. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common (n = 37, 86.0%). Conclusion: This is the first study in young Mexican women (< 40 years old) with breast cancer that showed a long delay between self-detection of clinical signs and seeking medical attention. US and mammography findings of breast cancer were comparable with other older populations.