Introduction: Skin diseases contribute substantially to global morbidity, but long-term data describing histopathological patterns in private healthcare settings in sub-Saharan Africa remain limited. This study assessed the demographic, anatomical, procedural, and histopathological characteristics of skin biopsy specimens processed over 10 years in a private diagnostic laboratory in Abuja, Nigeria.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using 2,016 consecutive skin biopsy records retrieved from laboratory archives over a 10-year period from January 2016 to December 2025. Data extracted included age group, sex, anatomical biopsy site, biopsy procedure, and histopathological diagnosis. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, with frequencies and percentages used to describe distributions and cross-tabulations by sex and age group.
Results: Females accounted for 54.9% (n = 1,106) of specimens, while the 30–49-year age group was most represented (27.8%; n = 560). The lower limb was the most frequently documented anatomical site (13.6%; n = 275), although the biopsy site was not stated in 30.1% of records. Punch biopsy was the most frequently documented specific procedure (16.8%; n = 339). Benign lesions predominated, accounting for 97.3% (n = 1,961) of specimens, compared with 2.7% (n = 55) classified as malignant. Inflammatory/eczematous dermatoses were the most frequent histopathological category (33.3%; n = 672), followed by lichenoid/interface dermatoses (16.7%; n = 336) and cystic lesions (11.4%; n = 229). Neoplastic lesions accounted for 2.0% (n = 41) of specimens and were predominantly malignant.
Conclusion: Skin biopsy specimens processed in this private laboratory were predominantly benign and characterized by inflammatory and other non-neoplastic dermatoses, with a substantial representation among young and middle-aged adults. The high proportion of incomplete documentation highlights the need for standardized pathology request forms and improved clinical information accompanying biopsy specimens. Strengthening collaboration between private and public healthcare sectors could enhance dermatopathological surveillance and improve understanding of skin disease patterns in Nigeria.