Clinico-demographic profile and treatment of patients with prostate cancer in a north- central Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies afflicting men worldwide. In the male population, it is estimated  that one in seven will be diagnosed and one in 38 will die from prostate cancer. Majority of patients in Sub Saharan Africa present with  advanced disease.

Objective: To identify among prostate cancer patients, the age, clinical manifestation and stage at presentation as well  as treatment received.

Materials and Method: The study reviewed patients with prostate cancer at the Jos University Teaching  Hospital between January 2014 and December 2017. The demographic and clinical characteristics as well as treatment given were  analysed.

Results: A total of 82 patients were studied. Age range was 41-100 years with a median of 67.9 years. The peak age group was  71-80 years, accounting for 41.4% of patients. Lower urinary tract symptom was present in all patients at the time of presentation. 59.8%  of these patients presented with metastatic symptoms. Persistent low back pain was seen in 61.2 % of patients with metastatic  symptoms, and digital rectal examination was suggestive of malignancy in 62.2% of patients. PSA was >20ng/ml in 73.3% of patients.  Histology for all patients was adenocarcinoma, with a predominant Gleason score of 8 (29.3%). Bilateral total orchidectomy was offered in  59.8% of patients.

Conclusion: Majority of patients with carcinoma of the prostate in Jos have features of metastasis at the time of  diagnosis. Orchidectomy is the most common treatment offered in our environment.