Association of Mammographic Features of Breast Cancer Tumor Mass with Immunohistopathological Profile

Abstract

Background: Mammographic imaging is fundamental for breast cancer detection, revealing diverse tumor characteristics. Advances in molecular profiling have deepened understanding of tumor biology and diagnostic implications.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relation between mammographic findings of malignant breast masses and their molecular characteristics in patients with breast cancer.

Methodology: Fifty-one female patients were enrolled at an oncology teaching hospital from November 2024 to February 2025. Standardized mammographic imaging was performed with two experienced radiologists independently interpreting the images and documenting features. Tissue samples, were analyzed by senior pathologists using immunohistochemical staining to evaluate estrogen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor expression.

Results: The mean age of patients was 54.7 years. Over half of the masses exhibited speculation (51.0%), with microcalcifications and architectural distortion present in 37.3% and 43.1% of cases. Molecular analysis revealed that 51.0% of tumors were estrogen receptor positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor negative, followed by 23.5% with both receptors positive, 21.6% with human epidermal growth factor receptor positive and estrogen receptor negative, and 3.9% with both receptors negative. A significant association was found between microcalcifications and molecular subtype (p = 0.003). Microcalcifications were significantly linked to aggressive breast cancer subtypes, particularly HER2-positive and triple-negative cases.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of estrogen receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor-negative tumors reinforces the importance of mammographic screening in early detection.

Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, June 2026;13(1):188-195