Comparative evaluation of the role of centchroman in benign breast diseases

Background: Benign breast disease encompasses a heterogeneous group of lesions. The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of Centchroman in the treatment of benign breast disease in comparison to Danazol and Evening primrose oil. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study undertaken on 120 patients having benign breast lesions. They were randomized into 3 groups: Group 1 (Centchroman 30 mg bi weekly for 3 months), Group 2 (Danazol 50 mg bid for 3 months) and Group 3 (Evening Primrose Oil 1000 mg bid for 3 months).The study was carried out in Department of General Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University between September 2011 to May 2013. Treatment was given for 3 months and patients were followed up for 6 months. Results were recorded as per clinical examination, visual analog scale, breast pain chart and ultrasonography for breast lump size. Results: Non cyclical mastalgia was the most common presentation.(81.6%) .18.3% patients presented with one or more fibroadenomas while 38 patients (63.3%) had nodularity with or without mastalgia.All three subgroups showed at least 50% reduction in pain after 3 months of treatment but at 6 months follow up ,VAS was > 4 in13.33%patients in Centchroman group, 64.7%patients in Danazol group and 70.5% patients in EPO group. 80 %patients had complete regression of nodularity at 3 months in Centchroman group. Danazol was effective in 71.43% while EPO group had no statistically significant effect.At 6 months follow up only Centchroman was found to be effective.Only side effect noted in Centchroman group was prolongation of menstrual cycle in 30% of patients.