Histologic Profiles of Reduction Mammaplasty Specimens among Jordanian Females

Objective: Reduction mammaplasty is a common surgical procedure that yields a variable amount of tissue for pathologic examination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histological diagnoses of the reduction mammaplasty specimens and to determine the incidence of breast lesions in otherwise asymptomatic and healthy Jordanian females. Methods: All reduction mammaplasty specimens of 73 patients over a 10-year period (September 1999– September 2009) at Jordan University Hospital were retrospectively examined. The average number of blocks submitted per breast was 4 (range 3-5). Variables such as age and preoperative mammograms were examined. Results: A total of 143 specimens were evaluated. Normal mammary tissue was present in 36 patients (49%). The most common benign lesion was fibrocystic disease (21%). Precancerous breast lesions were identified in 7 patients (9.6%). No case of carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma was encountered in our study. Most of the histopathological lesions were found in patients younger than 35 years of age. Preoperative mammograms were done for 26 patients and all were normal. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the importance of systemic analysis of breast reduction specimens to help identify and guide the management of patients with increased risk of breast cancer following reduction mammaplasty. Consequently, thorough sampling and handling of breast reduction specimens should be emphasized.