European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Cancer is a leading and emerging public health concern in most countries. Among different types of benign and malignant breast diseases, female breast cancer is the most frequent cancer and a major etiology of mortality worldwide. The present study is aimed to compare the serum levels of gonadotropins, and prolactin in benign and malignant disorders of the breast in Libyan Women. A total of 76 cases of breast carcinoma patients (age: 30 – 55 years); 22 cases of fibrocystic cases (age: 18 to 50 years) were selected from department of surgery, 7th October Hospital, Benghazi, Libya. Age matched controls (n=52) clinically free from both malignant and benign disorders of breast were included in this study. Venous blood samples were collected from all the patients and controls. Levels of serum gonadotropins and prolactin were estimated inall groups. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software using Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. Results showed a significantly elevated circulating level of serum gonadotropins in patients with breast carcinoma with in increase in age and body-mass index, in comparison with controls. Whereas prolactin level did not correlate positively in breast cancer cases. A non-significant decrease in serum gonadotropins and prolactin levels in benign fibrocystic cases in comparison with control group. The correlation between pituitary hormones and breast cancer risk is shown by a significant rise in gonadotrpins level. Further follow-ups and advance researches are warranted to unravel the molecular mechanism.