Prostate cancer in Maiduguri.

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the sixth most important cancer in the world, and its incidence in blacks has been on the increase. It is a very important cause of morbidity and mortality. In North-eastern Nigeria, reports on prostate cancer have been scarce. The aim of this paper is to highlight the clinico-pathological features and management of prostate cancer in north-eastern Nigeria.

STUDY DESIGN

The clinical records and histopathological slides of all prostate cancer patients seen at the UMTH from January 1987 to December 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The total number of cancers diagnosed during this period was also obtained from the cancer registry.

RESULTS

Prostate cancer was seen in 165 patients and accounted for 6.15% of cancers diagnosed in this hospital. Majority of patients (56%) were aged 65 years and below and most presenting symptoms were similar to those of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The diagnosis was made in most cases on the basis of DRE, USS, PSA, and confirmed by trucut prostatic biopsy. Since most cases were advanced, the most frequent palliative treatment was subcapsular orchidectomy, which was psychologically satisfying to patients. Follow-up was very poor, only 26% at 3 years.

CONCLUSION

Since most patients present late we conclude that prostate cancer should be suspected in men of 50 years and above who present with symptoms of prostatism and should be investigated promptly. Furthermore, aggressive screening of men in this age group would facilitate early diagnosis.