A clinico-pathological study of cervical carcinoma in South Eastern Nigeria; a five-year retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the pattern of clinical presentation of carcinoma of the cervix in Nnewi Southeast Nigeria with a view to determining strategies for intervention.


METHODS
This is a retrospective descriptive study involving all cases of clinically diagnosed carcinoma of the cervix seen over a five year period.


RESULTS
Forty three case notes were available for study. The age range was 38 to 87 years with a peak age incidence of 51 to 60 years. The commonest symptom at presentation were postmenopausal bleeding (51.2%), vaginal discharge (32.6%), postcoital bleeding (9.3%) and irregular vaginal bleeding (7%). Nearly 80% presented with the advanced form of the disease with 20 (46.5%) and 14 (32.6%) presenting in stage III and IV respectively. 27(62.8%) were lost to follow up at various stages ofmanagement.


CONCLUSIONS
The pattern of presentation follow known trends. Lack of facilities for radiotherapy and loss to follow up are major obstacles in the management of carcinoma of the cervix.
Udigwe
G O
GO
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. geraldudigwe@yahoo.com
Ogabido
C A
CA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology