Benign breast diseases in Warri Southern Nigeria: A spectrum of histopathological analysis

Abstract

Background: Benign breast diseases (BBDs) constitute a source of morbidity and mortality among women globally. Most of these lesions are common in women of reproductive age and are associated with hormonal influences. However, studies have reported an increasing incidence of these lesions in children and adolescents. Aims: The aim was to highlight the spectrum and histological patterns of BBDs among women in Delta State and other Southern states of Nigeria as seen at central hospital, Warri. Materials and Methods: This study was a 7-year retrospective analysis of all histologically diagnosed breast diseases in women. Request forms were scrutinized for clinical bio-data, diagnosis. Hematoxylin and eosin stained-slides of breast biopsies carried out at the central hospital, Warri were archived and studied. Results: A total of 905 breast lesions were received during this 7 years period in the Pathology Department. Of these, 644 cases accounting for (71.2%) were benign lesions, while 261 cases (28.8%) were malignant giving a ratio of 2.5:1. A total of 638 cases occurred in female while only 6 cases occurred in males. The mean age was 31.2 ± 8.4 years, and the peak age incidence was 20-29 years constituting 49.8% cases of BBDs. Fibroadenoma was the most common BBD accounting for 302 cases (46.9%). Fibrocystic disease was the second majority and constituted 126 cases (19.6%). Conclusion: Fibroadenoma constituted the most common histopathological patterns of BBDs in children and adolescents in our environment.