Prognostication of Breast Cancer Using Nottingham Prognostic Index in Sudanese Patients

Aamir A. Hamza; Saadeldin A. Idris; Mohyad B. Al-Haj; Amal A. Mohammed

Background: The Nottingham prognostic index (NPI) is a widely used clinic-pathological staging system for breast cancer prognostication. It is based on tumor size in breast, node involvement and histopathological grading. Objectives: To evaluate and determine the prognostic usefulness of this index and its components in our local patients. Patients and methods: In an observational retrospective study from January 2010 to January 2012, 85 patients with breast cancer with their information retrieved from patient records were evaluated at Omdurman Teaching Hospital. In these patients, we evaluated the significance of the following factors age, stage at diagnosis, histopathological grade, and number of axillary lymph nodes retrieved and involved. The Nottingham Prognostic Index was calculated. Results: Mean age ± SD was 46.5± 13.7 years, 45.9% were in the age group 31-45 years. Grade II breast cancer was seen in 58.7% of the specimen. Metastatic lymph nodes involvement accounted for 94.5% of the axillary tissues. Mean tumor size was 5.5 ± 3.9 cm. Mean Nottingham prognostic index was 5.3 ± 1.45 and 48.0% had a poor index (scored >5.4).Conclusion: Patients with breast cancer still present late with advanced disease. The NPI allows us to accurately predict prognosis, and we advocate its standardized use in our local practice.

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