Carcinoma of the cervix in Northern Nigeria.

Abstract

Summary 106 histologically proven cases of carcinoma of the cervix seen in Ahmadu Bellow University Teaching Hospital Zaria (ABUTHZ) between January 1973 and December 1977 are presented. Most (94.3%) of the cancers were squamous and occurred more commonly in parous women. The peak incidence at about to ten years earlier than in the United States consistently observed in both Northern and Southern Nigeria may be a reflection of the earlier age of marriage in Nigeria. The commonest presenting symptoms were vaginal bleeding (72.5%) and vaginal discharge (40.4%). Surgical treatment was ineffective because of late presentation of the patients and the establishment of more radiotherapy units is suggested in order to improve results.