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Ovarian Cancers in Ilorin, Nigeria-a Review of Over 80 Cases

Background: Cancer of the ovary is a common cause of death among the female genital tract cancers. It is commoner in the developed countries. The pattern in our environment is described.

Methods: A retrospective study of 81 cases of ovarian cancer seen at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin over a 20-year period, was done.

Results: Of the 451 histologically confirmed cases of gynecological cancers seen, 81 were ovarian cancers, making it the second most common gynaecological cancer. The peak age incidence was in the 5th decade of life. Epithelial cancers were the most common histological types with 36 (43.9%) cases, with the serous (44.4%) and mucinous (41.7%) tumours, the commonest variants. Cancers derived from the sex cord and stroma accounted for 15 cases (18.5%) while germ cell cancers accounted for 11 (13.4%) cases. There were 15 (18.5%) cases of lymphoma and 3 (3.7%) cases of secondary tumours to the ovary. One (1) case of unclassified sarcoma was seen in an 85-year old woman. Majority of the patients had multiple symptoms, which included abdominal pain and menstrual irregularities. More than half of the patients presented six months or more after the onset of symptoms.

Conclusion: A high frequency of ovarian cancer has been demonstrated with majority of the patients presenting late. Emphasis should focus on high level of vigilance and early detection with improved diagnostic techniques.
 Keywords : Ovarian cancer, Review NQJHM Vol. 15 (3) 2005: pp. 127-130