breast Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(7):137-142
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000700004
PURPOSE: To evaluate the efect of trimegestone on the histological changes of the mammary tissue of castrated rats. METHODS: Forty-five virgin female Wistar rats were used after oophorectomy. Sixty days after surgery, with hypoestrogenisms confirmed, the experimental rats were randomly assigned to three groups of 15 animals each, when then the specific treatment for each group was started. The control group (C) and experimental groups 1 and 2 respectively received 0.9% saline solution, 17-beta-estradiol and 17-beta-estradiol in combination with trimegestone for 60 consecutive days. After the end of treatment , the inguinal mammary glands were removed, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) for morphometry and examined by immunohistochemistry for the quantification of anti-PCNA antibody in the mammary tissue, followed by euthanasia. The morphometric parameters evaluated were: epithelium cell-proliferation, secretor activity and mammary stroma changes. There were nine deaths during the experiment. The variables were submitted to statistical analysis adopting the 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS:Histological changes were observed in 16/36 rats, mild epithelial hyperplasia in 13/36, moderate epithelial hyperplasia in 3/36, with no cases of severe epithelial hyperplasia. Stromal fibrosis was found in 10/36 and secretory activity in 5/36 rats. All morphometric variables were significant in the estrogen group compared to control (p=0.0361), although there were no difference between the group receiving combined treatment and the controls (p=0.405). The immunohistochemical analysis showed no difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS:The hormones administered to castrated rats, i.e., 17 beta-estradiol alone or in combination with trimegestone, increased the proliferation of breast cells, but this effect appeared to be lower in the combined treatment, the same occurring regarding fibrosis of the mammary stroma.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(7):137-142
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000700004
PURPOSE: To evaluate the efect of trimegestone on the histological changes of the mammary tissue of castrated rats. METHODS: Forty-five virgin female Wistar rats were used after oophorectomy. Sixty days after surgery, with hypoestrogenisms confirmed, the experimental rats were randomly assigned to three groups of 15 animals each, when then the specific treatment for each group was started. The control group (C) and experimental groups 1 and 2 respectively received 0.9% saline solution, 17-beta-estradiol and 17-beta-estradiol in combination with trimegestone for 60 consecutive days. After the end of treatment , the inguinal mammary glands were removed, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) for morphometry and examined by immunohistochemistry for the quantification of anti-PCNA antibody in the mammary tissue, followed by euthanasia. The morphometric parameters evaluated were: epithelium cell-proliferation, secretor activity and mammary stroma changes. There were nine deaths during the experiment. The variables were submitted to statistical analysis adopting the 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS:Histological changes were observed in 16/36 rats, mild epithelial hyperplasia in 13/36, moderate epithelial hyperplasia in 3/36, with no cases of severe epithelial hyperplasia. Stromal fibrosis was found in 10/36 and secretory activity in 5/36 rats. All morphometric variables were significant in the estrogen group compared to control (p=0.0361), although there were no difference between the group receiving combined treatment and the controls (p=0.405). The immunohistochemical analysis showed no difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS:The hormones administered to castrated rats, i.e., 17 beta-estradiol alone or in combination with trimegestone, increased the proliferation of breast cells, but this effect appeared to be lower in the combined treatment, the same occurring regarding fibrosis of the mammary stroma.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(5):241-246
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000500007
PURPOSE: to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) of women from the municipality of São Luís (MA), Brazil, and associated socio-demographic variables. METHODS: prospective and cross-sectional study, with conglomerate sampling, in which 552 women from 14 census sections of São Luís were included during the period from January to September 2003. The knowledge, attitude and practice (dependent variables) were evaluated by means of analysis of the responses of the women as "adequate" or "inadequate". The main independent variables were: age, schooling, family income and marital and menopausal status. The χ2 test was used to determine the association between categorical variables and the measurement of the crude/adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) after multivariate analysis by means of logistic regression. RESULTS: although 1/3 of the studied population did not know about BSE, the group of women who were informed about it showed adequate knowledge (60.9%), practice (59.5%) and attitude (90%). The family history of breast cancer (8.9%) was not associated with better knowledge and practice. The media (63.6%) was found to be important in disseminating information about BSE. After multivariate analysis, women with a partner (OR=1.9) presented more adequate knowledge; women older than 50 years (OR=11.7) had a better attitude towards BSE; women with more than five years of schooling (OR=2) and with a partner (OR=1.7) were associated with a more correct practice of BSE. CONCLUSION: most of the patients know and practice the BSE in São Luís and their attitude towards the procedure is extremely positive. There was a great participation of the media in the dissemination of information concerning BSE.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(5):241-246
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000500007
PURPOSE: to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) of women from the municipality of São Luís (MA), Brazil, and associated socio-demographic variables. METHODS: prospective and cross-sectional study, with conglomerate sampling, in which 552 women from 14 census sections of São Luís were included during the period from January to September 2003. The knowledge, attitude and practice (dependent variables) were evaluated by means of analysis of the responses of the women as "adequate" or "inadequate". The main independent variables were: age, schooling, family income and marital and menopausal status. The χ2 test was used to determine the association between categorical variables and the measurement of the crude/adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) after multivariate analysis by means of logistic regression. RESULTS: although 1/3 of the studied population did not know about BSE, the group of women who were informed about it showed adequate knowledge (60.9%), practice (59.5%) and attitude (90%). The family history of breast cancer (8.9%) was not associated with better knowledge and practice. The media (63.6%) was found to be important in disseminating information about BSE. After multivariate analysis, women with a partner (OR=1.9) presented more adequate knowledge; women older than 50 years (OR=11.7) had a better attitude towards BSE; women with more than five years of schooling (OR=2) and with a partner (OR=1.7) were associated with a more correct practice of BSE. CONCLUSION: most of the patients know and practice the BSE in São Luís and their attitude towards the procedure is extremely positive. There was a great participation of the media in the dissemination of information concerning BSE.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(12):602-608
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008001200003
PURPOSE: to evaluate the agreement between histopathologic diagnoses of breast lesions made by general pathologists and by a specialist in breast pathology. METHODS: a cohort retrospective study comparing histopathologic diagnoses of 329 cases of breast lesions received in consultation for a second opinion was carried out. The material received for consultation included slides (152 cases), paraffin blocks (59 cases) or slides and blocks (118 cases). Cases were reviewed and the original diagnoses and diagnoses from a specialist in breast pathology were compared. The main diagnoses, nuclear grade of ductal carcinoma in situ, and the histopathologic grade of invasive mammary carcinomas were evaluated. The kappa index and percentual concordance were used in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: a moderate agreement was observed between the original histopathologic diagnoses and the second opinion (kappa index=0.48; percentual concordance=59.9%). The diagnosis of malignancy was confirmed in 185/225 cases (82.2%) and diagnosis of benign lesions was confirmed in 89/104 cases (85.6%). The highest agreement was observed in the diagnosis of invasive mammary carcinomas (81%) and the highest disagreement was observed among diagnoses of ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (74%), lobular carcinoma in situ (70%), and atypical epithelial hyperplasias (61%). There was a moderate agreement in the nuclear grade of ductal carcinoma in situ (kappa index=0.52; percentual concordance=68.8%), and good concordance in the histologic grade of invasive carcinomas (kappa index=0.61; percentual concordance=74.3). CONCLUSIONS: the results show higher concordance rate in the diagnosis of invasive carcinomas and lower concordance in the diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion and premalignant breast lesions, especially lobular neoplasia in situ, and atypical epithelial hyperplasias.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(12):602-608
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008001200003
PURPOSE: to evaluate the agreement between histopathologic diagnoses of breast lesions made by general pathologists and by a specialist in breast pathology. METHODS: a cohort retrospective study comparing histopathologic diagnoses of 329 cases of breast lesions received in consultation for a second opinion was carried out. The material received for consultation included slides (152 cases), paraffin blocks (59 cases) or slides and blocks (118 cases). Cases were reviewed and the original diagnoses and diagnoses from a specialist in breast pathology were compared. The main diagnoses, nuclear grade of ductal carcinoma in situ, and the histopathologic grade of invasive mammary carcinomas were evaluated. The kappa index and percentual concordance were used in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: a moderate agreement was observed between the original histopathologic diagnoses and the second opinion (kappa index=0.48; percentual concordance=59.9%). The diagnosis of malignancy was confirmed in 185/225 cases (82.2%) and diagnosis of benign lesions was confirmed in 89/104 cases (85.6%). The highest agreement was observed in the diagnosis of invasive mammary carcinomas (81%) and the highest disagreement was observed among diagnoses of ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (74%), lobular carcinoma in situ (70%), and atypical epithelial hyperplasias (61%). There was a moderate agreement in the nuclear grade of ductal carcinoma in situ (kappa index=0.52; percentual concordance=68.8%), and good concordance in the histologic grade of invasive carcinomas (kappa index=0.61; percentual concordance=74.3). CONCLUSIONS: the results show higher concordance rate in the diagnosis of invasive carcinomas and lower concordance in the diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion and premalignant breast lesions, especially lobular neoplasia in situ, and atypical epithelial hyperplasias.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(11):550-555
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008001100004
PURPOSE: to analyze interobserver variability in the histopathological diagnosis of premalignant breast lesions before and after training with diagnostic standardized criteria. METHODS: Slides containing histological sections representative of three kinds of breast lesions (atypical ductal hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ and ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion), revised by an international specialist in breast pathology whose diagnoses were considered as golden standard, have been used. The same slides have been evaluated at two different times by five pathologists from the community according to a specific protocol for classifying the lesions. In the first evaluation, the cases were analyzed and classified according to the specific criteria adopted in each service. At the second time, the pathologists were given a tutorial containing diagnostic criteria and representative images, and the lesions were classified again, employing the standardized criteria. Interobserver analysis using percent agreement and weighted Kappa index has been performed. RESULTS: There has been a large diagnostic variation among the pathologists in the initial analysis without the use of standardized diagnostic criteria concerning the diagnostic, nuclear grade and histological grade (weighted Kappa indexes related to diagnosis varied from 0.15 to 0.40). In the second evaluation using standardized criteria, there has been a significant improvement in the diagnostic concordance among the five pathologists concerning the diagnosis, nuclear grade and histological grade (weighted Kappa indexes related to diagnosis have varied from 0.42 to 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: interobserver concordance related to diagnosis and classification of breast premalignant lesions may be improved with specific training and the use of standardized histopathological criteria.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(11):550-555
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008001100004
PURPOSE: to analyze interobserver variability in the histopathological diagnosis of premalignant breast lesions before and after training with diagnostic standardized criteria. METHODS: Slides containing histological sections representative of three kinds of breast lesions (atypical ductal hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ and ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion), revised by an international specialist in breast pathology whose diagnoses were considered as golden standard, have been used. The same slides have been evaluated at two different times by five pathologists from the community according to a specific protocol for classifying the lesions. In the first evaluation, the cases were analyzed and classified according to the specific criteria adopted in each service. At the second time, the pathologists were given a tutorial containing diagnostic criteria and representative images, and the lesions were classified again, employing the standardized criteria. Interobserver analysis using percent agreement and weighted Kappa index has been performed. RESULTS: There has been a large diagnostic variation among the pathologists in the initial analysis without the use of standardized diagnostic criteria concerning the diagnostic, nuclear grade and histological grade (weighted Kappa indexes related to diagnosis varied from 0.15 to 0.40). In the second evaluation using standardized criteria, there has been a significant improvement in the diagnostic concordance among the five pathologists concerning the diagnosis, nuclear grade and histological grade (weighted Kappa indexes related to diagnosis have varied from 0.42 to 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: interobserver concordance related to diagnosis and classification of breast premalignant lesions may be improved with specific training and the use of standardized histopathological criteria.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(4):177-181
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008000400004
PURPOSE: to evaluate the expression of Bax antigen in the normal mammary epithelium of premenopausal women treated with raloxifene. METHODS: a randomized double-blind study was conducted in 33 ovulatory premenopausal women with fibroadenoma. Patients were divided into two groups: Placebo, (n=18) and Raloxifene 60 mg, (n=15). The medication was used for 22 days, beginning on the first day of the menstrual cycle. An excisional biopsy was carried out on the 23rd day of the menstrual cycle and a sample of normal breast tissue adjacent to the fibroadenoma was collected and submitted to immunohistochemical study using anti-Bax polyclonal antibody to evaluate the expression of Bax protein. Immunoreaction for Bax was evaluated taking into consideration intensity and fraction of stained cells, whose combination resulted in a final score ranging from 0 to 6. Cases with a final score >3 were classified as positive for Bax. The c2 test was used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: the percentage of positivity of Bax protein expression was 66.7 and 73.3% in Groups A and B, respectively. There was no significant difference in Bax expression between the two groups (p=0.678). CONCLUSIONS: raloxifene, administered for 22 days in the dose of 60 mg/day, did not alter the expression of Bax protein in the breast normal tissue of premenopausal women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2008;30(4):177-181
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008000400004
PURPOSE: to evaluate the expression of Bax antigen in the normal mammary epithelium of premenopausal women treated with raloxifene. METHODS: a randomized double-blind study was conducted in 33 ovulatory premenopausal women with fibroadenoma. Patients were divided into two groups: Placebo, (n=18) and Raloxifene 60 mg, (n=15). The medication was used for 22 days, beginning on the first day of the menstrual cycle. An excisional biopsy was carried out on the 23rd day of the menstrual cycle and a sample of normal breast tissue adjacent to the fibroadenoma was collected and submitted to immunohistochemical study using anti-Bax polyclonal antibody to evaluate the expression of Bax protein. Immunoreaction for Bax was evaluated taking into consideration intensity and fraction of stained cells, whose combination resulted in a final score ranging from 0 to 6. Cases with a final score >3 were classified as positive for Bax. The c2 test was used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: the percentage of positivity of Bax protein expression was 66.7 and 73.3% in Groups A and B, respectively. There was no significant difference in Bax expression between the two groups (p=0.678). CONCLUSIONS: raloxifene, administered for 22 days in the dose of 60 mg/day, did not alter the expression of Bax protein in the breast normal tissue of premenopausal women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(12):608-613
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007001200002
PURPOSE: to assess the accuracy (rate of correct predictions) of stereotactic core needle biopsy (CNB) of risk category BI-RADS® 4 breast lesions. METHODS: a retrospective analysis of category BI-RADS® 4 breast lesions that had been submitted to a stereotactic core-needle biopsy from June 1998 to June 2003. Patients with histological benign results consistent with the radiographic image were referred to mammographic follow-up. Patients with malign diagnosis and papillary lesions were submitted to standard specific treatment. Excisional biopsies were performed when results were benign, but in disagreement with the mammographic image. It was considered as a gold-standard attendance: (1) the mammographic follow-up of low suspicion lesions with benign results at CNB, which stayed unchanged for, at least, three years, and (2) surgical resection when specimen results were malign or benign, but with a high suspicion on mammography. Sensitivity (S) specificity (E) and overall accuracy of stereotactic CNB were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: among the 118 non-palpable lesions of category BI-RADS® 4 submitted to CNB, the results obtained were: 27 malign cases, 81 benign, and ten lesions with atypical or papillary lesions. The statistical analysis comprised 108 patients (atypical and papillary lesions were excluded). CNB sensitivity was 87.1% and specificity 100%. The positive predictive value was 100% and the negative, 95.1%. False negatives occurred in 3.7% (4/108) of cases. The prevalence of malign diagnostics in the BI-RADS® 4 lesions of this sample was 29.7 (31/118).The accuracy of this method in this casuistic was 96.3%. CONCLUSIONS: these results support stereotactic CNB as an extremely reliable alternative to open biopsy, in the diagnosis and definition of breast lesions. In positive results, it is possible to indicate the appropriate therapy, and, in negative (when mammography shows low suspicion), it allows a follow up.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(12):608-613
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007001200002
PURPOSE: to assess the accuracy (rate of correct predictions) of stereotactic core needle biopsy (CNB) of risk category BI-RADS® 4 breast lesions. METHODS: a retrospective analysis of category BI-RADS® 4 breast lesions that had been submitted to a stereotactic core-needle biopsy from June 1998 to June 2003. Patients with histological benign results consistent with the radiographic image were referred to mammographic follow-up. Patients with malign diagnosis and papillary lesions were submitted to standard specific treatment. Excisional biopsies were performed when results were benign, but in disagreement with the mammographic image. It was considered as a gold-standard attendance: (1) the mammographic follow-up of low suspicion lesions with benign results at CNB, which stayed unchanged for, at least, three years, and (2) surgical resection when specimen results were malign or benign, but with a high suspicion on mammography. Sensitivity (S) specificity (E) and overall accuracy of stereotactic CNB were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: among the 118 non-palpable lesions of category BI-RADS® 4 submitted to CNB, the results obtained were: 27 malign cases, 81 benign, and ten lesions with atypical or papillary lesions. The statistical analysis comprised 108 patients (atypical and papillary lesions were excluded). CNB sensitivity was 87.1% and specificity 100%. The positive predictive value was 100% and the negative, 95.1%. False negatives occurred in 3.7% (4/108) of cases. The prevalence of malign diagnostics in the BI-RADS® 4 lesions of this sample was 29.7 (31/118).The accuracy of this method in this casuistic was 96.3%. CONCLUSIONS: these results support stereotactic CNB as an extremely reliable alternative to open biopsy, in the diagnosis and definition of breast lesions. In positive results, it is possible to indicate the appropriate therapy, and, in negative (when mammography shows low suspicion), it allows a follow up.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(9):465-469
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000900005
PURPOSE: to compare the double-circle (DC) technique to other techniques, with periareolar (PA) and transverse nipple-areolar (TNA) incisions, for the surgical correction of gynecomastia. METHODS: we studied the medical files of 34 patients from the Federal University of Goiás, submitted to the surgical correction of gynecomastia, from 1999 to 2004. Patients were divided according to the surgical technique used. The parametric numeric variables were compared by Tukey test. The chi2 or the Fisher's exact test was used for nominal variables. It was considered significant a p value<0.05. RESULTS: the mean age of the patients was 27.9 (+12.5) years. There were 43 gynecomastias, 34 unilateral (79.1%) and nine (20.9%) bilateral. There were 19 breasts operated (44.2%) using DC, 14 (33.6%) using PA incision, and 10 (23.3%), TNA incision. The mean drain usage was five days for DC and one day for the others (p<0.01). The suction drain was used in 19 cases (100%) of DC and two (22%) in TNA. The other patients used drains of Penrose (p<0.01). The mean surgical time was significantly larger for DC (73 minutes) than for PA (45 minutes) and for TNA (48 minutes). DC was used mainly in voluminous gynecomastias (p=0.04). The complications consisted in three (33%) hematomas in TNA (p<0.01) and one (5%) in DC; one (11%) infection in TNA; two (10%) partial necrosis of the nipple in DC; four (21%) enlarged scars in DC (p=0.04); three (16%) hypertrofic scars (p=0.08) in DC; one (2%) inversion of nipple with TNA. CONCLUSIONS: The DC was used often in voluminous gynecomastias. It was a good and secure operation, although it required a more extensive surgical time and had a larger possibility of distended scars.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(9):465-469
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000900005
PURPOSE: to compare the double-circle (DC) technique to other techniques, with periareolar (PA) and transverse nipple-areolar (TNA) incisions, for the surgical correction of gynecomastia. METHODS: we studied the medical files of 34 patients from the Federal University of Goiás, submitted to the surgical correction of gynecomastia, from 1999 to 2004. Patients were divided according to the surgical technique used. The parametric numeric variables were compared by Tukey test. The chi2 or the Fisher's exact test was used for nominal variables. It was considered significant a p value<0.05. RESULTS: the mean age of the patients was 27.9 (+12.5) years. There were 43 gynecomastias, 34 unilateral (79.1%) and nine (20.9%) bilateral. There were 19 breasts operated (44.2%) using DC, 14 (33.6%) using PA incision, and 10 (23.3%), TNA incision. The mean drain usage was five days for DC and one day for the others (p<0.01). The suction drain was used in 19 cases (100%) of DC and two (22%) in TNA. The other patients used drains of Penrose (p<0.01). The mean surgical time was significantly larger for DC (73 minutes) than for PA (45 minutes) and for TNA (48 minutes). DC was used mainly in voluminous gynecomastias (p=0.04). The complications consisted in three (33%) hematomas in TNA (p<0.01) and one (5%) in DC; one (11%) infection in TNA; two (10%) partial necrosis of the nipple in DC; four (21%) enlarged scars in DC (p=0.04); three (16%) hypertrofic scars (p=0.08) in DC; one (2%) inversion of nipple with TNA. CONCLUSIONS: The DC was used often in voluminous gynecomastias. It was a good and secure operation, although it required a more extensive surgical time and had a larger possibility of distended scars.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(2):96-102
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000200007
PURPOSE: to evaluate the classification and the etiology of girls attended in a Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic. METHODS: The hospital charts of 58 female patients attended from 2000 to 2005 with diagnosis of probable precocious puberty were reviewed and relevant data analyzed. Inclusion criteria were breast and/or pubic hair growth before eight years old. The girls were classified according to the clinic aspects and the supplementary exams they had been submitted to, into one of the categories: central precocious puberty (CPP), precocious pseudopuberty, premature thelarche and premature pubarche. RESULTS: from the 58 reviewed cases, 28 girls were diagnosed as CPP, one as precocious pseudopuberty, ten as premature thelarche and 19 as premature pubarche. All the cases of CPP had an idiopathic etiology, except for one girl whose activation of the ypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was secondary to congenital adrenal hyperplasia. There was one case of precocious pseudopuberty due to McCune-Albright syndrome. All the cases of premature thelarche had an idiopathic etiology, except for one girl who had primary hypothyroidism. All the cases of premature pubarche had an idiopathic etiology. CONCLUSIONS: among the cases diagnosed as precocious puberty, CPP was the leading diagnosis and most cases had an idiopathic etiology. Organic causes leading to precocious puberty were infrequent.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(2):96-102
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000200007
PURPOSE: to evaluate the classification and the etiology of girls attended in a Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic. METHODS: The hospital charts of 58 female patients attended from 2000 to 2005 with diagnosis of probable precocious puberty were reviewed and relevant data analyzed. Inclusion criteria were breast and/or pubic hair growth before eight years old. The girls were classified according to the clinic aspects and the supplementary exams they had been submitted to, into one of the categories: central precocious puberty (CPP), precocious pseudopuberty, premature thelarche and premature pubarche. RESULTS: from the 58 reviewed cases, 28 girls were diagnosed as CPP, one as precocious pseudopuberty, ten as premature thelarche and 19 as premature pubarche. All the cases of CPP had an idiopathic etiology, except for one girl whose activation of the ypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was secondary to congenital adrenal hyperplasia. There was one case of precocious pseudopuberty due to McCune-Albright syndrome. All the cases of premature thelarche had an idiopathic etiology, except for one girl who had primary hypothyroidism. All the cases of premature pubarche had an idiopathic etiology. CONCLUSIONS: among the cases diagnosed as precocious puberty, CPP was the leading diagnosis and most cases had an idiopathic etiology. Organic causes leading to precocious puberty were infrequent.