The Spectrum of Breast Diseases in Nigeria North Central: A Histopathological Survey

Abstract

Breast diseases to most patients are sources of uncertainty and apprehension. The diseases of the breast are a heterogeneous group of lesions consisting of both benign and malignant. This study from North Central Nigeria is aimed at examining these diverse lesions. 249 breast biopsies with histopathological diagnosis seen at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria between October, 2012 and January 2017 were examined. The cases were retrieved from the data base of the histopathology department with the patients request forms. The patient’s bio data was extracted from the request form including age, sex and histopathological diagnosis. The 249 breast biopsies with diagnosis accounted for 8.1% of all tissue specimens diagnosed within the study period. 244 cases were females and 5 cases were males. The breast lesions are seen from second decades of life. Benign Breast Diseases (BBDs) accounted for 54% of cases while malignant breast diseases (MBDs) accounted for the remaining 46%. The commonest BBD is fibroadenoma accounting for 54.1% of all BBDs. The commonest histological type of breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma (88.6%). The incidence of breast diseases especially malignancy is on the increase in our environment with most patients presenting at advanced stages of the disease. There is a need to increase advocacy with screening of patients at increased risk in order to get the patient at an early stage that will help improve prognosis.