Pattern of presentation of cervical carcinoma at Nuclear Institute of Medicine and Radiotherapy, Pakistan

Objective: To find the pattern of presentation of cervical carcinoma as seen at Nuclear Institute of Medicine and Radiotherapy, Pakistan.

Methodology: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Nuclear Institute of Medicine and Radiotherapy (NIMRA) for a period of one year from January 1st to December 31st, 2009. The clinical records of all patients diagnosed with carcinoma of the cervix were reviewed with regard to sociodemographic and reproductive parameters. Frequency of cervix and stage of disease at time of presentation were recorded. The data was collected on pre-designed proforma and analysed using SPSS Version 16 statistical package.

Results: There were a total of 56 cases (33.53%) of carcinoma of cervix who presented at NIMRA during the study period. The mean age was 51 years. Irregular vaginal bleeding, foul smelling vaginal discharge and post coital bleeding were the most common symptoms. Squamous cell carcinoma corresponds to 52 (92.85%) and adeno carcinoma to 4 (7.14%) cases. Only 8(14.28%) cases were in Stage I, while 20(35.71%), 22(39.28%) were in Stages II and Stage III respectively whilst 6(10.71%) cases were in advanced stage (1V).

Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 92.85% of cases with mean age of 51 years, most patients 74.98% presented in stage II, III and IV. Diagnosis at advanced stage needs implementation of large scale educational and screening programme on national level to saves the lives of Pakistani women.