ASSESSMENT OF RECEPTOR NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER YENAGOA

Breast cancer is the common term for a set of breast tumor subtypes with distinct molecular and cellular origins and clinical behavior. Progesterone and Estrogen-receptor-negative tumors depend on the absence of progesterone and/or estrogen for ongoing proliferation. This study was aimed at detection of receptor negative breast cancer among tissue blocks studied. Twenty (20) breast cancer tissue blocks of patients attending FMC were used for this research work. Immunohistochemical staining for Progesterone and Estrogen receptors was applied on cell block sections of breast lesions using avidin biotin Complex Immunohistochemistry Staining. The stained sections were viewed under the digital optical microscope and photomicrographs were taken with the aid of an attached camera Leica ICC50. The distribution and intensity of staining was recorded and graded semi quantitatively. Out of 20 malignant cases of breast cancer subjected to Immunohistochemistry 35.0% were negative for estrogen, 45.0% for progesterone and 40.0% were negative for both receptors. Therefore ER and PR status should be tested on the primary tumor and/or areas of spread (called metastases) for everyone newly diagnosed with invasive breast cancer or a breast cancer recurrence. For those with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), testing for ER status is recommended to find out if hormone therapy may reduce the risk of future breast cancer.