Malignant tumours of the female gential tract in Zaria, Nigeria: Analysis of 513 cases

Background: Female genital tract malignant tumours are common tumours that affect mainly the young female population. Unfortunately, the preventable carcinoma of the cervix is still the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. Methods: This is a retrospective histopathological analysis of female genital tract malignant tumours diagnosed over an eleven-year period (1993 - 2003). The information required was retrieved from histology bench books and request cards. Results: In an analysis of 513 cases in Zaria, 77% were carcinoma of the cervix and this was the commonest. This was followed by the corpus uteri (10.1%), and ovarian tumours (8.4%). Tumours of the vagina and vulva were uncommon. One case of adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube which accounted for 0.2% was noted. The commonest type of cervical cancer was squamous cell carcinoma (89.5%). Choriocarcinoma (57.7%) was the most common tumour of the corpus uteri and among ovarian tumours; serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma was the commonest (25.6%), followed by malignant granulosa cell tumour (20.9%). One case of ovarian Burkitt s lymphoma which accounted for 2.3% was noted. Malignant tumours of the corpus uteri and the cervix are more common in the fifth decade, while ovarian tumours are commoner in the fourth decade of life.Conclusion: Carcinoma of the cervix was the commonest malignancy encountered in this study. Fortunately it is preventable by the routine Pap smear. Therefore governments of African countries should establish and sustain such screening centres.