Ten-Year Histopathological Spectrum of Malignant Breast Lesions in a North-Central Nigerian Tertiary Centre

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, experiencing a growing burden. Histopathological evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis, subtype classification, and guiding treatment decisions. To evaluate the histopathological patterns, age and sex distribution, and frequency of malignant breast lesions diagnosed over 10 years at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, North Central Nigeria. A retrospective descriptive study of all breast specimens received at the histopathology department between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2024. Data on age, sex, and histological diagnosis were extracted, analysed, and presented as frequencies, percentages, and mean values. Out of 3,966 histopathological specimens received, 392 (9.9%) were breast lesions. Of these, 182 (46%) were malignant and 210 (54%) benign, giving a benign-to-malignant ratio of approximately 2:1. Malignant lesions predominantly affected females (96.2%, 175 cases), with a male-to-female ratio of 1:25. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) was the most common subtype, accounting for 90% (165 cases), with a mean patient age of 49.2 years. The overall mean age for malignant breast disease was approximately 45 years. The most affected age groups were 41–50 and 51–60 years. Less common subtypes included papillary carcinoma (3.2%), ductal carcinoma in situ (1.6%), clear cell carcinoma (1.1%), and others. Male breast cancer accounted for 3.8% of malignant cases, with an average age of occurrence of 60 years. Malignant breast lesions in Makurdi are predominantly invasive ductal carcinomas, affecting mainly middle-aged women. The findings reflect regional trends across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Early detection, improved diagnostic infrastructure, and targeted awareness, especially for male breast cancer, are recommended to improve outcomes.