Pattern and outcome of gynaecological malignancies in the Federal Capital Territory.

Abstract

Background: Gynaecological cancers in Nigeria are associated with high morbidity and mortality due to late presentation and limited treatment facilities. There is a need to evaluate the trend and outcome of the disease in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.

Objective: To evaluate the trend in gynaecological cancer, stage at diagnosis, treatment and outcome of patients diagnosed at Federal Medical Centre Abuja.

Method: A 5-year retrospective study of all histologically diagnosed gynaecological cancer managed at Federal Medical Centre Abuja from 14^th May 2018 to 13^th May 2023. Their case notes were retrieved and relevant information was extracted. Data was collected using an Epi Info^TM version 7.2.2.6 and results were presented as frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables.

Results: Out of the 8,425 gynaecological cases managed within the study period, 58 of them were gynaecological cancers, giving a prevalence of 0.69%. Two cancer cases were managed in 2018 and 18 by mid-2023. Their overall mean age was 50.96 12.6 years. Cervical cancer was the commonest with a prevalence of 39.66%, followed by ovarian (27.59%), endometrial (25.86%), choriocarcinoma (5.17%) and vulva (1.72%). The majority presented in early stage 1 disease (39.66 %), followed by stage 3 (27.59%), then stages 2 (24.14%) and 4 (8.62%). The majority (32.76%) received surgery/chemotherapy, and 31.03% were referred for chemoradiation alone, The overall outcome revealed that 43 (74.14%) were alive and 15 (25.86%) were dead. Ovarian cancer contributed 37.50% to the mortality followed by endometrial cancer (33.33%) and cervical cancer (17.39%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of gynaecological cancers has been on the rise in our facility, with cervical cancer being the commonest. Most were of early-stage disease with high survival rates. The mortality recorded was mostly from delays in the commencement of radiotherapy, necessitating government intervention.