RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Mammary tumors are frequent. Benign tumors are more frequent, and are characterized by a possibility of recurrence or malignant transformation. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and morphological characteristics of breast benign tumors. METHODS: The authors have undertaken a retrospective study from January 1998 to December 2003. This study was led in the laboratory of pathology of the National Institute of Public Health, in surgical and gynecological services of Bamako. The study had concerned all benign tumors confirmed by histology. FINDINGS: In total, 186 benign tumors were diagnosed over 611 mammary pathologies (30.44%). The average age was 27.1 +/- 11.7 years. Sex ratio was 17.6 in favour of women. The main complaint was feeling a nodule in the breast (91.9%). The most affected breast was the right side (50.8%). Tumor sizes were variable, and the color changed through white to yellow. Histological aspects were: fibroadenoma (72%), lipoma (8.6%), tubular adenoma (5.9%), papilloma (5.4%), lactating adenoma (3.8%), phyllodes tumor (3.8%), and syringomatous tumor (0.5%). CONCLUSION: Benign tumors are frequent in mammary pathology. The patients need a follow-up because of the recurrence or the malignant transformation of these tumors.