GYNAECOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES

FREQUENCY AND OUTCOME AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency of different Gynecological Malignancies and outcome following primary treatment.
Study Design: Cross sectional Descriptive Study. Place and Duration of study: In a tertiary care hospital; Bolan Medical Complex
Hospital Quetta Baluchistan from Feb 2006 to Nov 2009. Methodology: All the women presenting with genital tract cancer during the
study period were included. Their age, parity, mode of presentation, anatomic area involved, and investigations performed were noted.
Stage of disease (according to FIGO staging), surgical procedures performed, and operative finding were recorded. Specimens were
subjected to histopathological examination. Post operative chemo or radiotherapy was given according to stage and histopathology
reports. Patients were followed up by telephonic appointments for growth recurrence, disease free interval and mortality. Follow up
records were also obtained from Oncology Department & CINAR (Cancer Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy) Hospital
Quetta. Results: Amongst the 93 cases of gynecological cancer ovarian cancer was the commonest (45%), cervical and uterine cancers
were equal in frequency (17.2%), and Choriocarcinoma was seen in (9.3%) cases while vaginal cancer was rarest (1.83%). Epithelial
ovarian tumors were the commonest (71%) and 67% patients presented in stage III &IV. During the median follow up period of 25 months
44% patients are alive without recurrence. 27% lost to follow up, 18% developed recurrence, 11% died with disease, 50% cancer deaths
were due to ovarian cancer. Conclusions: Ovarian cancer is the commonest genital tract cancer and accounted for half of all genital tract
cancer deaths. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve prognosis. Well established screening program and public awareness is
important for early diagnosis and to decrease mortality.