Prognostic Significance of Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels Among Operable Breast Cancer Patients

Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels, an indicator of systemic inflammation, are increasingly recognized for their prognostic value in cancer. In operable breast cancer, elevated CRP levels may correlate with tumor progression, treatment outcomes, and survival. Objective: To determine the outcome of the raised serum CRP among operable breast cancer patients. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 126 women of 20-60 years of age with a lump in the breast, bloody or serous nipple discharge ≥ 6-week duration and diagnosed as a case of operable breast cancer on histopathology and were selected for modified radical mastectomy. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to CRP levels (Raised; Group A vs normal; Group B). Results: In Group A (17.5%) cases had wound infections, 16 cases (25.4%) of seroma, and 10 cases (15.9%) of flap necrosis. In contrast, Group B had a lower incidence of these complications, with 4 cases (6.3%) of wound infections, 8 cases (12.7%) of seroma, and 5 cases (7.9%) of flap necrosis. In terms of pain severity, all 63 patients (100.0%) in Group A reported moderate pain, with no cases of severe pain and in Group B, 48 patients (76.2%) experienced moderate pain, and 15 patients (23.8%) reported severe pain (p-0.004). Prolonged Hospital stay was (25.4%) cases of group A and in Group B (49.2%) cases had prolonged hospital stays. Conclusion: Patients with elevated CRP levels are more likely to experience postoperative complications, such as wound infection, seroma formation, and flap necrosis, compared to patients with normal CRP levels.