Pattern and Outcome of Gynaecological Malignancies at a Tertiary Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gynaecological cancers in Nigeria are associated with high morbidity and mortality due to poverty, late presentation and limited treatment facilities. There is a need to evaluate the trend and outcome of the disease in the Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. AIM: To evaluate the trends in gynaecological cancer, stage at diagnosis, treatment and outcome of patients diagnosed at Federal Medical Centre Abuja. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 5-year retrospective study of all histological diagnosed gynaecological cancer managed at Federal Medical Centre Abuja from 13^h May 2018 to 12^th May 2023. Their case notes were retrieved and relevant information extracted. Data was collected using an Epi Info^TM version 7.2.2.6 and results presented as frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. RESULTS: Out of the 8,425 gynaecological cases managed within the study period, 58 of them were gynaecological cancers, giving a prevalence of 0.69%. Their overall mean age was 50.96 12.6 years. Cervical cancer was the commonest with a prevalence of 39.66%, followed by ovarian (27.59%), endometrial (25.86%), choriocarcinoma (5.17%) and vulva (1.72%). Majority presented in early stage 1 disease (39.66 %), followed by stage 3 (27.59%), then stages 2 (24.14%) and 4 (8.62%). Majority (32.76%) received surgery/chemotherapy, 31.03% referred for chemoradiation alone, The overall 5-year outcome revealed that 43 (74.14%) were alive and 15 (25.86%) were dead. Ovarian cancer contributed 37.50% to the mortality followed by endometrial cancer (33.33%) and cervical cancer (17.39%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of gynaecological cancers has been on the rise in our facility, with cervical cancer being the commonest. Most were of early stage disease with high survival rate. The mortality recorded were mostly from advanced disease and delay in commencement of radiotherapy, necessitating government intervention.