Anatomical Profile of Uterine Fibroids in Accra, Ghana: A Retrospective Review

Abstract

Uterine fibroids (UFs) cause various symptoms in women and may result in infertility or death. In Ghana, there is limited data on this condition. This study aimed to document the anatomical profile of histologically diagnosed UFs in a tertiary facility in Accra, Ghana. A retrospective review of all UF cases examined at the Histopathology Department of the 37 Military Hospital from 2015 to 2019 was conducted. Demographic and anatomical data were extracted. Eight hundred and fifty-five (855) UF cases were recorded, representing 31.1% of the cases (N=2748) submitted to the Department within this period. The mean age at diagnosis was 40.66 ± 8.85 years. There was a preponderance of multinodular fibroids (N=769). Women with multinodular fibroids were significantly older than those with single fibroid nodules. Intramural fibroids were the most recorded UF subtype (69.1%). The majority of UF cases in Accra are multinodular and/or intramural. Women of reproductive ages remain the most at-risk group. A healthy lifestyle and frequent routine check-ups should be encouraged to facilitate early detection and treatment.