EVALUATION OF TOTAL PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN IN MALIGNANT AND BENIGN BREAST LESIONS IN WOMEN

Duaa Knaj*, Michael Georgeos, and Faisal Redwan

ABSTRACT

Background: Prostatic specific antigen is a significant biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer. Initially regarded as a prostate-specific marker, subsequent evidence has demonstrated its presence in females as well. Material and methods: The study was conducted with two groups of women. Group A included 50 patients with breast cancer, who were divided into 3 categories. (A1=10) Patients with histologically confirmed malignancy were admitted to the oncology center after biopsy and prior to surgery. (A2=30) patients were admitted following to surgical resection of the tumors. (A3=10) patients with metastatic tumors. Group B (30) patients with benign breast lesions. Serum PSA levels were analyzed for each patient in both groups, with a second measurement taken after six-months for patients in category A1. A comparison of PSA levels was conducted between the different categories of group A, as well as between group A and B. The impact of the histological pattern of benign lesions on PSA levels was investigated. Results: The mean total PSA values for both groups were as follows: A1 (1.4), A1-1 (0.51), A2 (0.52), A3 (1.61) and B (0.26) ng/ml. PSA levels were greater in cases of metastatic breast cancer compared to non-metastatic disease (p < 0.05). The mean PSA was elevated in all breast cancer cases when compared to benign lesions, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Our findings revealed that PSA levels were elevated in fibrocystic lesions when compared to the other patterns observed in Group B. Conclusion: Total PSA may prove a benefit in differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions in women.

Keywords: prostatic specific antigen, PSA, total, breast cancer, benign.