A Clinico-pathological Study Of Cervical Carcinoma In South Eastern Nigeria; A Five-year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objective : To determine the pattern of clinical presentation of carcinoma of the cervix in Nnewi Southeast Nigeria with a view to determining strategies for intervention.
Method : This is a retrospective descriptive study involving all cases of clinically diagnosed carcinoma of the cervix seen over a five year period. Results : Forty three case notes were available for study. The age range was 38 to 87 years with a peak age incidence of 51 to 60 years. The commonest symptom at presentation were postmenopausal bleeding
(51.2%), vaginal discharge (32.6%), postcoital bleeding (9.3%) and irregular vaginal bleeding (7%). Nearly 80% presented with the advanced form of the disease with 20 (46.5%) and 14 (32.6%) presenting in stage III and IV respectively. 27( 62.8% ) were lost to follow up at various stages of management. Conclusion : The pattern of presentation follow known trends. Lack of facilities for radiotherapy and loss to follow up are major obstacles in the management of carcinoma of the cervix.

Keywords: Cervical carcinoma, pattern of presentation.

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 11 (3) 2008: pp. 202-205