Evaluation of histologically confirmed carcinoma of the cervix in Nnewi Nigeria: A five year review

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is the commonest gynaecological cancer in developing countries. It is a major cause of cancer related deaths among women in our subregion.

Objective: To determine the incidence, mode of presentation, associated risk factors and management of histologically confirmed carcinoma of the cervix at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.

Method: This was a retrospective study of all the cases of histologically confirmed carcinoma of the cervix at the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, between first of August 2009 and 31st July 2014. Data collected was analysed with SPSS version 20.0 software and presented in tables and charts.

Results: Sixty two patients with histological confirmation of cervical cancer were managed in the hospital over a five year period. Forty five of these patients with adequate information in their folders constitute the study group. There was an incidence of 9.2% of all gynaecological admissions. The highest incidence(31.2%) was found in age group 50-59 years.

The commonest presenting symptom was bleeding per vaginam in 95.6% of the patients. Majority of the patients already had advanced stage (IIb and above) disease at presentation (77.8%).The commonest histological type of cervical cancer was squamous cell carcinoma accounting for 88.9%. Twenty (44.4%) patients were referred for radiotherapy and many of the patients (33.4%) were lost to follow up.

Conclusion: The incidence of cervical cancer is very high in our environment. Majority of the presentations were at the advanced stage of the disease.