Correlation of serum lipid profile and viral markers in benign and malignant breast tumors: A prospective analysis

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common and deadly malignancies among women worldwide. Differentiating between benign and malignant breast lumps at an early stage is essential for prompt diagnosis and effective management. Recent studies suggest that alterations in serum lipid metabolism and certain viral infections may play a role in breast carcinogenesis. Aims and Objectives: To correlate serum lipid profiles and viral markers in patients with benign and malignant breast lumps and to assess their potential role in the etiology and early detection of carcinoma breast. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Shyam Shah Medical College and Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa (M.P.), from October 2023 to December 2024. A total of 100 patients presenting with palpable breast lumps were included and categorized as benign or malignant based on histopathological examination. Serum lipid parameters (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL]) and viral markers (hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus) were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and correlation tests, with P