Hormone Receptors and Her-2/neu Overexpression in Breast Carcinomas in Patients of West African Origin Seen at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Abstract

Breast carcinoma is a disease of utmost concern to the individual, family, and society at large. The current trend in the management of breast carcinoma also involves hormonal therapy. Consequently, the hormone expression of the tumor in the individual involved must be known if he or she is to benefit from such therapy. This is a prospective study of estrogen and progesterone receptors as well as Her-2/neu overexpression in all breast carcinomas seen at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Nigeria, between April, 1, 2016, and September, 30, 2018. The total number of cases analyzed during the period under study was 107, comprising 105 women and 2 men with an age range of 26 to 88 years and a mean age of 52 ± 13 years. The tumors fell into histologic grade II (71.0%) and grade III (29.0%). They expressed ER, PR, and Her-2/neu positivity in 42.1%, 33.6%, and 30.8% of the cases, respectively. Triple-negative breast cancer was 35.5%. Male breast cancers presented as invasive ductal carcinoma and exhibit similar staining pattern as the female breast cancer. In conclusion, this study shows that breast carcinomas occurred predominantly in females of younger age and present with tumors, most of which were of high grade and exhibit triple negativity. This observation is relevant to any therapeutic decisions and management of these patients. Improvement in breast carcinoma screening programs so that the disease can be detected early is also advocated.