Patterns of Chief Complaints in Breast Disorders and Their Association with Diagnosis and Family History

Background: Breast disorders represent a major cause of morbidity among women and account for a substantial proportion of visits to breast clinics. The pattern of presenting symptoms may reflect underlying pathology and is influenced by demographic and familial factors. Understanding the relationship between chief complaints, diagnostic outcomes, and family history is essential for improving early detection and clinical management of breast diseases. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the patterns of chief complaints among women with breast disorders and to examine their association with diagnostic categories and family history. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Breast Clinic of Al- Karkh Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, from June 2022 to June 2023. Medical records of 267 female patients were reviewed. Data on age, family history, menstrual cycle history, chief complaint, and final diagnosis were collected. Diagnoses were classified into benign and malignant lesions. Results: The mean age of patients was 47.7 ± 11.3 years, with 72.7% aged over 40 years. Most patients had no family history of breast cancer (58.4%), and irregular menstrual cycles were observed in 53.2%. Mastalgia and consultation were the most common complaints among patients with benign lesions, whereas a palpable breast mass was the predominant presenting symptom in malignant cases (63.2%). Significant associations were found between chief complaints and diagnosis, as well as between family history and presenting symptoms (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Distinct patterns of chief complaints were associated with diagnostic outcomes and family history. Recognition of symptom profiles may enhance early detection strategies and improve clinical assessment of breast disorders.