Age distribution, site of origin and HIV status of cases of gynaecological malignancies seen at a radiotherapy facility in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Gynecological malignancies are very common in Northern Nigeria. Although cervical cancer has been classified as HIV-related malignancy, little information is available on the pattern of presentation of gynecological malignancies in HIV patients. The objective of this study was to analyze the age distribution, site of origin, stage, and HIV status of cases of gynecological malignancies seen at a radiotherapy facility in Northern Nigeria. Patients and Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2011, consecutive patients with histologically confirmed gynecological malignancies were studied retrospectively and evaluated with respect to age, site of tumor, histological type, stage of disease, and retroviral status. Patients' folders were reviewed using a standardized structured proforma. Results were analyzed using Epi Info software 3.4.1, 2007 edition. Results: A total of 350 gynecological malignant cases were reviewed. The age range was 21-86 years, with a mean age of 49 years, a modal age group of 41-50 years, and a median age of 50 years. The commonest gynecological malignancy observed was cervical cancer (81.7%), followed by ovarian epithelial cancer (6%), endometrial cancer (4%), ovarian germ cell tumor (3.14%), vaginal cancer (2.3%), vulvar cancer (2.3%), and myometrial sarcoma (0.6%). In all, 85.1% patients had locally advanced disease, 9.4% had metastatic disease, and 5.4% had early stage disease at presentation. HIV seropositivity was 10.3%; however, 94.4% of those with HIV had cancer of the cervix. Conclusion: In this review, the peak modal age group for gynecological malignancies is the fifth decade of life. Cervical cancer is the commonest gynecological malignancy seen with preponderance of late stages of the disease at presentation. HIV seropositivity is highest among women with cervical cancer than among women with other cancers, as seen in the facility.