Epidemiological and Histopathological Characteristics of Gynecological Cancers in Somalia

Abstract Background: Gynecological malignancies are prevalent, with a high mortality rate. The present is the first report from Somalia regarding the epidemiological and histopathological characteristics of gynecological cancers. Methods: This study reviewed all pathology results obtained from gynecologic patients who underwent various procedures and biopsies over seven years. The investigated parameters were sociodemographic features, histopathological characteristics, and management options, including surgical interventions. Results: The prevalence of gynecological cancers in our study was 7.1%. Among 225 cases with histopathologically confirmed primary gynecological malignancies, cervical and endometrial cancers were the most common (n= 137 and 42, 61% and 18.6%), respectively. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histologic type in cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. All patients diagnosed with cervical cancer had no history of cervical screening. Approximately 70% of the patients presented in the late stages of the disease. More than half (n=28, 67%) of patients with Endometrioid adenocarcinoma have been found to have other comorbidities, including diabetic Mellitus (n=17, 60.7%) and hypertension (n=11, 39.3%). Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy without pelvic lymphadenectomy were performed in 35/42 patients with endometrial cancer. Conclusions: Cervical carcinoma was the most frequently observed gynecological malignancy during the study period. Majority of our patients presented in the late stages of advanced disease. Lack of adequate knowledge of the disease, poor socioeconomic status, limited resources, and inadequate expertise is believed to be the causes of the late presentation of the patients. Since cervical cancer is a preventable disease, national screening and awareness programs are necessary to reduce the burden of cancer and improve women's health in Somalia.