Vol. 8, Issue 3, Part A (2025)

Background: Breast cancer remains a significant global health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Early and accurate diagnosis through imaging and clinical evaluation plays a vital role in improving outcomes. Mammography and ultrasound are standard imaging modalities that, when used together and correlated with clinical and histopathological findings, improve diagnostic precision.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between mammographic and ultrasound findings with clinical assessments and histopathological results, enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of breast disease detection in asymptomatic women.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted at Al Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, involving 2,350 asymptomatic women screened for breast abnormalities from January 1 to December 31, 2024. Data reviewed included sociodemographic characteristics, imaging results with BI-RADS categorization, clinical breast examinations, and pathological findings from fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsies.
Results: Of the 2,350 women screened, 1,320 (56.17%) exhibited normal breast imaging findings. A total of 736 (31.32%) fell within BI-RADS categories 1-3, indicating benign or probably benign findings, generally requiring routine follow-up. Notably, 294 women (12.51%) were classified as BI-RADS 4 or 5, signaling suspicion of malignancy and necessitating biopsy and further evaluation. The integration of imaging with clinical and histopathological correlation proved essential in improving early detection, even in the absence of clinical symptoms.
Conclusion: Routine screening using combined mammography and ultrasonography, correlated with clinical and pathological assessments, enhances the early detection of potentially malignant lesions in asymptomatic women, underscoring the value of a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach.