Histological characteristics of breast lesions in Uyo, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: The breast is a common site for pathologies which predominantly involves the female breast. While benign diseases are more common, malignancies are of utmost concern for the patient, clinician, and the pathologist. AIM: The aim of this study is to audit the clinical and pathological features of patients with breast lumps in a tertiary center in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of histologically diagnosed breast lumps over a period of 8 years. RESULTS: Lumps were common in the 20-39 years age group (>50%), with a mean age of 34.95 years. Females accounted for 759 (98.1%) of cases. In 467 (60.4%) cases, the lumps measured >5 cm and only 175 (22.6%) cases presented to the surgeon within 12 weeks of noticing a breast lump. Ninety-one (11.8%) cases also presented with axillary lymph nodes, breast pain 79 (10.2%), peau d' orange 56 (7.2%), and ulceration 47 (6.1%). Benign breast disease (BBD) occurred in 401 (51.8%) cases and malignant breast diseases (MBD) occurred in 344 (44.3%) of cases. CONCLUSION: BBD and MBD are common among the young in Uyo. Lumps are the primary complaint and late presentation is the norm.