BREAST CANCER IN YOUNG ADULTS: A CASE SERIES

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. The age at presentation is crucial and determines the type, prognosis, or outcome of treatment. We report two cases of breast cancer in young adult patients due to its rarity and the need for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion while assessing any breast tumor in such patients.

Case presentation: The clinical presentations of a breast lump in the 20 and 24-year-old single ladies both of Yoruba origin, in the western region of Nigeria were similar. They both presented with right and left breast mass with ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy respectively. The vital signs were normal and there was no swelling anywhere else in the body. Further physical examination was unremarkable. The pre-operative investigations included a chest X-ray, Abdominal-pelvic ultrasound scan, Full blood count, and Electrocardiogram, which were all within normal limits in both patients. The clinical diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer was made. Subsequently, histopathological diagnosis of the tissue biopsy revealed Invasive ductal carcinoma Grade 3, and Immunohistochemistry studies were also done. They were both planned for Chemotherapy (six cycles) and were given 4 cycles of Chemotherapy (5-Fluoro-uracil, Adriamycin & Cyclophosphamide- FAC Regimen). One had left modified radical mastectomy done with Radiotherapy, the second patient declined surgery and defaulted thereafter.

Conclusion: It is of great concern that the age at presentation for breast cancer is younger as compared to the regular middle-aged presentation as stated by several literatures.