A gynecology department breast clinic: The first year

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the experience of the Emory University Gynecology Breast Clinic at Grady Hospital in 1993 from its inception on January 15, 1993 through December 31, 1993. The study is a retrospective chart review of 308 women, either self-referred or referred by the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, who were evaluated for complaints of pain, breast mass, nipple discharge, skin changes, or abnormal mammography. The patient population was a young one, with an average age of 37.7 years. One hundred fifteen (37.3%) of the patients had a normal examination, with only reassurances given and no follow-up needed. A total of 129 patients had palpable masses, and 96 fineneedle aspirations were performed. Numerous different benign lesions were diagnosed, but in our clinic only three of 308 patients were subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer. In our institution, the patients referred to the Gynecology Breast Clinic suffered predominately from benign lesions and physiologic complaints. Therefore, although risk factor assessment for breast cancer is important, and gynecology resident knowledge and understanding of the diagnosis of breast cancer is paramount, the population served by this clinic necessitates knowledge and expertise in the treatment of benign breast conditions.