A histopathologic review of nonsquamous cell malignancies of the cervix in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Although recent studies suggest that there is rising proportion of cervical adenocarcinoma in most part of the world, there has been no formal study in our setting. We therefore undertook this review to document and evaluate the pattern in Kano, Northern Nigeria. Patients and Methods: This was a 10 year retrospective study from 2 nd January, 2002 to 31 st December, 2011 of all non-squamous cell malignancies diagnosed at the pathology department of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Where necessary, new sections were made from formalin fixed, paraffin embedded blocks. Results: During the ten year study period, a total of 545 cervical cancers were diagnosed. Of these, 448 (82.2%) were squamous cell carcinomas and 17.8% were non-squamous malignancies. Out of the 97 non-squamous malignancies, adenocarcinoma was by far the most common. 52 (53.6%) were endometrioid type adenocarcinomas, while clear cell and mucinous variants comprised 12 (12.4%) and 6 (6.2%) respectively. Other carcinomas in this series were adenosquamous (10 cases), small cell (6 cases), adenoid cystic {3 cases}, undifferentiated (3 cases) and metastatic (1 case). There was only one sarcoma - a leiomyosarcoma. Patients ranged from 20 to 80 years (mean 48.30 ± SD 12.61 years) with the highest occurence in the 4 th –6 th decade age group. Conclusion: Non-squamous malignancies of the cervix comprised 17.8% of all invasive cervical cancers in Kano and adenocarcinomas were overwhelmingly preponderant. The study findings were consistent with most published reports in Nigeria and elsewhere. These malignancies were associated with high morbidity and mortality which necessitates data for health planning and policy decisions.