Epidemiology and clinicopathological pattern of endometrial carcinoma in Lagos tertiary Hospitals, South-West Nigeria.

Abstract

Endometrial cancer has become a global health challenge because of its rising morbidity. Understanding the epidemiology and clinicopathological review of this disease may not only aid with treatment but also further the development of prevention strategies. Objectives: To review the epidemiology and clinicopathological pattern of endometrial cancer in 2 Lagos Tertiary Hospitals between January 1997 to December 2016. Methodology: This is a retrospective study conducted at the oncology clinics of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Patients' sociodemographic variables, disease characteristics and clinical features were retrieved and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: This 20-year review revealed 162 cases. There was an increasing trend in the incidence with the highest number of cases seen in 2016 (26 patients). The age ranges from 31 to 90years with a mean of 61.0 + 10. 6years. The most common histology was endometrioid adenocarcinoma with 98(60.5%). Eighty-four (51.9%) patients presented with stage III disease, 46 (28.4%) with stage IV. All the patients presented with bleeding per vaginum, 73(45%) presented with low backache and vaginal discharge seen in 46(28.4%) patients. Conclusion: There was an increasing incidence over the years. More than three quarters presented with stage III or IV diseases. This suggests the need for a high index of suspicion for endometrial cancer especially in women with bleeding per vaginum.