Paper Title: Clinical and Histopathological patterns of Ovarian malignancy in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Authors: Bassey G, Nyengidiki T.K, Inimgba N.M, Otoide A.
Article DOI:
Abstract/Summary:
Background: Ovarian malignancy is the second commonest gynaecological malignancy in Nigeria and the leading cause of death from gynaecological cancers world-wide. Objectives: This study was to determine the prevalence and outcome of management of ovarian malignancies in the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective review of all cases of histologically confirmed ovarian malignancies managed in the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital over a 5-year period. Results: The prevalence of ovarian malignancy was 18.74/1000 gynaecological admissions and 10.93% of gynaecological malignancies. The mean age of patients was 44.32 years and the peak age of the disease was between 31 and 40 years. The most identifiable risk factor was late menopause in 5.9% of cases. The most frequent presenting symptoms were abdominal distention (94.1%) and abdominal pain (91.2%). Advanced disease was seen in 73.5% of cases. Most (76.0%) patients with advanced disease had duration of symptoms for a year or less. Epithelial cancers constituted 91.2% of cases and serous cystadenocarcinoma was the most frequent subtype. The case fatality rate was 5.9%. None of the surgeries was performed by a certified gynaecological oncologist. All patients were lost to follow up within one year of treatment. Conclusion: Epithelial ovarian cancers were the most commonly seen ovarian cancers in Port Harcourt. Advanced disease and poor compliance to chemotherapy were the norm amongst patients. More emphasis should be placed on prevention rather than screening. There is a pressing need for sub-specialization in gynaecological oncology.
Publication Date:
2016-12-31