Retrospective histomorphological analysis of bone and soft tissue tumors and tumor-like lesions over 32 years in a tertiary healthcare facility

Aims: Clinicopathological features of bone and soft tissue tumors/tumor-like lesions have been shown to vary geographically.This study aims to retrospectively analyze the clinicopathological features of bone and soft tissue lesions in Ilorin, including both neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases derived from mesenchymal cells, thus addressing a notable data gap. Methods:We retrospectively reviewed histopathologically diagnosed cases of bone and soft tissue lesions over thirty-two years (1985 to 2016) at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.Data were extracted from pathology reports and case files.Results: A total of 970 cases of bone and soft tissue lesions were recorded.The age distribution of the study group ranged from 0 to 81 years with a mean age of 34.50.5 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.The lesions of adipose tissue origin constituted the most common (38.4%; 373/969) followed by blood vessels (20.6%; 200/969) and fibrous tissue lesions (18.8%; 182/969) among others.The majority of these bone and soft tissue lesions were benign (80.39%).The most common soft tissue neoplasm was lipoma (32.1%; 311/970).Fibrosarcoma was the most common malignant soft tissue neoplasm (7.8%; 76/970).Conclusions: Adipocytic tumors were the most prevalent soft tissue lesions, with lipoma being the most frequent specific lesion.Fibrosarcoma was the predominant malignant soft tissue neoplasm, while giant cell tumor was the most commonly diagnosed bone neoplasm.Clinically, these findings highlight the necessity for heightened vigilance and tailored diagnostic strategies for these prevalent tumors in healthcare settings.