TITLE:
Epidemiology and Clinical Signs of Gynecological Cancers in an African Country South of the Sahara: Case of the Republic of Benin in 2022
AUTHORS:
Djima Patrice Dangbemey, Raoul Atade, Mahublo Vinadou Vodouhe, Ameyo Ayoko Ketevi, Samiath Bakary, Ogourindé Mathieu Ogoudjobi, Moufalilou Aboubakar, Simon Azonbakin, Christiane Tshabu-Aguemon, Benjamin Hounkpatin, Angeline Tonato-Bagnan, Justin Lewis Denakpo
KEYWORDS:
Gynaecological Cancers, Epidemiology, Signs, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.13 No.12,
December
29,
2023
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Gynaecological cancers are the deadliest of the women’s cancers in the Republic of Benin. Late diagnosis is the
most common reason. Objective: This paper aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics, and clinical and pathological
signs of gynaecological cancers treated in the Republic of Benin between 2018
and 2022. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive,
retrospectively collected study of patient data treated between 2018 and 2022
in two university gynaecology departments in Cotonou. All gynaecological
cancers that have histological evidence were included. The epidemiological,
clinical and pathological characteristics of the cancers were assessed. Results: Cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers were the most common in the
proportions of 62.0%, 24.1%, 12.0% and 1.8% respectively. The mean age at
diagnosis was 54 years. The victims were uneducated and had low economic power
in 81% and 85% of cases, respectively. The consultation was late in 82.1% of
cases. Metrorrhagia, postmenopausal metrorrhagia and pelvic cluster headache
were the common reasons for consultation for
cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancer, respectively. Diagnosis was late in 66.7% (n = 71). The most common
histological types were squamous cell carcinoma,
endometrioid adenocarcinoma, and serous cystadenocarcinoma for cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers,
respectively. Conclusion: Gynaecological cancers were common and
their consultation time was delayed. The diagnosis was made at the advanced
stage and there were several reasons for this.