1Postgraduate, Department of General Surgery, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Kanchipuram, MAHER University, Chennai
2Professor and HOD, Department of General Surgery, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Kanchipuram, MAHER University, Chennai
3Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, DMMC Wanadongri, Nagpur. Email: drniloferyasmeen@yahoo.com
4Postgraduate, Department of General Surgery, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Kanchipuram, MAHER University, Chennai
*Correspondence: Dr. Qureshi Mohd Shabaz, Email: shaazq786@gmail.com
Received: 12th Dec, 2025; Revised: 12th Feb 2026; Accepted: 13th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 10th March, 2026
Background: Cystic breast lesions range from benign conditions to malignant tumors, making accurate differentiation essential for appropriate management. β-hCG has emerged as a potential biomarker due to its role in tumor biology and cellular proliferation.
Aim: To evaluate and compare β-hCG expression in benign and malignant cystic breast lesions.
Materials and Methods: This hospital-based observational study was conducted at Meenakshi Medical College Hospital, Kanchipuram, over one year. A total of 40 patients with cystic breast lesions were included. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. β-hCG expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry and compared between benign and malignant groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and a p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among 40 cases, 24 were benign and 16 were malignant. β-hCG expression was significantly higher in malignant lesions (75%) compared to benign lesions (16.7%) (p = 0.001). Malignant lesions also showed higher intensity of expression (p = 0.002). Increased β-hCG expression was more common in patients aged ≥40 years (p = 0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of β-hCG expression were 75%, 83.3%, and 80% respectively.
Conclusion: β-hCG expression is significantly associated with malignant cystic breast lesions and may serve as a useful diagnostic marker.
Keywords: β-hCG, breast lesions, cystic breast disease, immunohistochemistry, breast cancer, observational study.
How to cite this article: Shabaz QM, P.S S, Khan NY, Raju F. Comparative Evaluation of β-hCG Expression in Benign and Malignant Cystic Breast Lesions: An Observational Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(16s): 583-587. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.16s.62
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None