Kristen Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Mutations in Colorectal Carcinomas at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia

ackground: The second leading cause of cancerrelated deaths worldwide iscolorectal cancer. With an incidence rate of 4.8 per 100,000, this is Zambia's sixth most prevalent cancer; Methods: This laboratory-based, cross-sectional study examined the frequency of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation and its association with prognostic factors in colorectal carcinoma cases from the University Teaching Hospital-Adult Hospital (UTHs), Lusaka, Zambia; Results: Thirty (30) formalin-fixed paraffinembedded (FFPE) samples collected between June 2017 and June 2018 were sent to the Lancet laboratories and analyzed for KRAS mutations (codons 12 and 13). One FFPE block did not meet the inclusion criteria and was excluded. The demographic and clinicopathological data were analyzed using STATA 12. Males outnumber females by 20 to nine. The average age of the patient was 45 ± 16 years. The rectum was the location of 44.8% of the tumors, with the majority being conventional adenocarcinoma (CAC) (65.6 %). All cases (100%) had advanced-stage (stages 3 and 4) disease;however, only 27.6% of patient tumors exhibited lymphovascular invasion. KRAS mutation was detected in 11 (37.9%) cases and mainly in left-sided tumors (62.5%). KRAS mutations were only detected in CAC and serrated adenocarcinoma subtypes. No significant associations were observed between the KRAS mutation status and tumor or patient's clinical and sociodemographic factors; Conclusion: We advocate for incorporating KRAS mutation testing into the standard of care for treating colorectal cancer.

Adénocarcinome du col utérin au Gabon caractéristiques clinico-pathologiques d'une série des cas

Contexte et objectifs. L'adénocarcinome du col utérin a fait l'objet de peu de publications notamment en Afrique. L'objectif de la présente étude était de décrire les aspects cliniques, pathologiques et évolutifs de ce cancer au Gabon puis d'évaluer la reproductibilité du pattern d'invasion (PI) afin d'améliorer le choix thérapeutique. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une série des cas d'adénocarcinomes du col utérin confirmés histologiquement en 8 ans. Les données clinico-pathologiques et le suivi ont été enregistrés à partir des dossiers médicaux. 3 pathologistes ont évalué le PI de chaque cas puis, la reproductibilité a été réalisée. Résultats.Sur les 378 cas recensés, 16 ont été retenus. Leur âge moyen était de 57 ans. Les femmes étaient de grandes multipares (68,7 %) et ayant consulté pour des métrorragies (87,5 %). Elles étaient récués à un stade clinique avancé (62,5 %) et l'évolution était défavorable dans 81,25 % des cas. Le type endocervical et le grade intermédiaire étaient les plus fréquents. Le niveau de concordance du PI était faible (28,6 %). Conclusion. L'adénocarcinome du col utérin au Gabon survient chez la femme d'âge jeune, grande multipare, est de diagnostic tardif et d'évolution péjorative d'où l'intérêt d'assurer un dépistage précoce et une prévention. Par ailleurs, la reproductibilité du PI devrait être réévaluée par des études supplémentaires.

Immunohistochemical Study and Clinicopathologic Correlation of Cox-2 and Her-2 Expression in Colorectal Carcinoma: A 5-Year Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in Nigeria, and it affects mostly persons in their middle age. In a bid to gain some insight into the molecular characteristics of CRC in our environment, we set out to investigate the expression of COX-2 and HER-2 among Nigerian subjects. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the expression of COX-2 and HER2 and determine their correlation with clinicopathologic parameters in surgically resected histologically diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer. METHODS: Fifty-three paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of colorectal resections and corresponding patient information were retrieved from the archives of the Anatomic and Molecular Pathology Department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital.A 4-micron slide section was obtained from each specimen and immunohistochemistry for COX-2 and HER-2 expression was performed. RESULTS: Mean age of cases was 53.9years with an almost equal M:F ratio of 1.12:1. Half of the cases were moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and 17% were high grade tumors.Eighty three percent of the tumours showed positive cytoplasmic COX-2 expression and extremely low membranous HER-2 positivity was observed in 2%. There was no significant correlation between COX-2 expression and age, gender, tumour location, tumour size, depth of invasion or lymph node status.However, COX-2 expression revealed a significant correlation with tumour grade (p= 0.013). CONCLUSION: This study detects a high COX-2 and low HER2 expression in colorectal cancer using immunohistochemistry,suggesting a possible role for COX-2 in CRC pathogenesis.This report should trigger further investigations of both markers vis-à-vis the management of CRC in our environment. WAJM 2022; 39(11): 1134­1140.

Histopathological pattern of endoscopic gastric biopsies in dyspeptic patients in a Nigerian population

Background and Objective: Dyspepsia is one of the most common complaints encountered in the general outpatient and gastroenterology clinics in Nigeria. Histopathological assessment of endoscopic gastric mucosa biopsy is crucial to delineate the exact cause of dyspepsia to guide patients' management. This study aimed to determine and document the histopathological basis of dyspepsia among dyspeptic patients at our facility. Material sand Methods: This was a three year descriptive retrospective study and the materials consisted of all gastric endoscopic biopsies taken from clinically diagnosed dyspeptic patients sent to the Department of Histopathology of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Nigeria. Results: The biopsies were from 64 (53.2%) male patients and 56 (46.8%) female patients, giving a male to female ratio of 1.14:1. The age range of the patients was 28-82 years with a mean of 56 years at presentation. Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) bacilli were identified in the samples of 42 (35%) patients but absent in samples of 78 (65%) patients. The histopathological pattern of the aetiological basis of dyspepsia in this study consisted of gastritis (96, 80%), functional (17, 14.2%), adenocarcinoma (4, 3.3%) and polyps (3, 2.5%). H. Pylori bacilli were seen only in patients with gastritis (42/96, 43.8%), and it affected 19 (45.2%) male patients and 23 (54.8%) female patients. Chronic active H. Pylori associated gastritis (24, 25%) was the most common form of gastritis seen during the study period. Conclusion: The main organic cause of dyspepsia in our setting was chronic gastric followed in the distant by gastric adenocarcinoma and polyp. Dyspepsia and H. Pylori associated gastritis did not show a significant gender predilection

Socio-demographic and clinico-pathologic pattern of patients with colorectal cancers seen in Ahmadu Bello University teaching Hospital, Zaria

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. It accounts for 10.2% of cancer incidence globally, with a mortality of 9.2%. It ranks third in terms of incidence but second in terms of mortality. Colorectal cancer is not uniformly common throughout the world. Its incidence is increasing in developing countries, probably due to the acquisition of western lifestyle.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the sociodemographic and clinicopathological pattern of patients with colorectal cancer seen in the Department of Surgery, Radiotherapy, and Oncology Centre, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, over a 10-year period.Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, data were collected from the case files and treatment cards of 122 patients with colorectal cancer managed at the Surgical, Radiotherapy, and Oncology Department of ABUTH, Zaria, from January 2006 to December 2015. Data items analyzed included age, sex, residential area, occupation, duration of symptoms, presenting complaints, subsite, histological type, grade, and stage. All analyses were performed by SPSS version 20.Results: An annual incidence of 12.2 cases/annum was seen. Seventy (57.4%) were male and 52 (42.6%) were female. Male:female ratio was 1.3:1 and the age range was between 12 years and 78 years, majority were between 31 and 40 years (24.6%), with a mean age of 42.4 years and median age of 41 years. It was found to be more common among the urban dwellers, with the public/civil servants being the most affected (36.0%). The duration of presenting complain ranged from 3 weeks to 10 years, most patients presenting at 7­10 months with more than one symptom. Bleeding per rectum was the most common symptom seen in 20%. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histology seen in 73% (n = 89) and 28.7% were well differentiated. The rectum was the most common subsite, while left-sided lesions (20%) were more common than right-sided lesions (17%). About 18% (n = 22) had distant metastasis.Conclusion: The study showed that colorectal cancer was more common among the younger age group, with a slight male preponderance. They were mostly urban dwellers and civil/public servants. The most common presenting symptom was bleeding per rectum and majority of the cases presented at an advanced stage. Early detection through public health education, screening programs, affordable and effective treatment, and follow-up will help reverse this trend.Conclusion: The study showed that colorectal cancer was more common among the younger age group, with a slight male preponderance. They were mostly urban dwellers and civil/public servants. Bleeding per rectum being the most common complaint, majority of the cases presented at an advanced stage. Early detection through public health education, screening programs, affordable and effective treatment, and follow-up will help reverse this trend

Socio-demographic and clinico-pathologic pattern of patients with colorectal cancers seen in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. It accounts for 10.2% of cancer incidence globally, with a mortality of 9.2%. It ranks third in terms of incidence but second in terms of mortality. Colorectal cancer is not uniformly common throughout the world. Its incidence is increasing in developing countries, probably due to the acquisition of western lifestyle.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the sociodemographic and clinicopathological pattern of patients with colorectal cancer seen in the Department of Surgery, Radiotherapy, and Oncology Centre, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, over a 10-year period.Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, data were collected from the case files and treatment cards of 122 patients with colorectal cancer managed at the Surgical, Radiotherapy, and Oncology Department of ABUTH, Zaria, from January 2006 to December 2015. Data items analyzed included age, sex, residential area, occupation, duration of symptoms, presenting complaints, subsite, histological type, grade, and stage. All analyses were performed by SPSS version 20.Results: An annual incidence of 12.2 cases/annum was seen. Seventy (57.4%) were male and 52 (42.6%) were female. Male:female ratio was 1.3:1 and the age range was between 12 years and 78 years, majority were between 31 and 40 years (24.6%), with a mean age of 42.4 years and median age of 41 years. It was found to be more common among the urban dwellers, with the public/civil servants being the most affected (36.0%). The duration of presenting complain ranged from 3 weeks to 10 years, most patients presenting at 7­10 months with more than one symptom. Bleeding per rectum was the most common symptom seen in 20%. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histology seen in 73% (n = 89) and 28.7% were well differentiated. The rectum was the most common subsite, while left-sided lesions (20%) were more common than right-sided lesions (17%). About 18% (n = 22) had distant metastasis.Conclusion: The study showed that colorectal cancer was more common among the younger age group, with a slight male preponderance. They were mostly urban dwellers and civil/public servants. The most common presenting symptom was bleeding per rectum and majority of the cases presented at an advanced stage. Early detection through public health education, screening programs, affordable and effective treatment, and follow-up will help reverse this trend.Conclusion: The study showed that colorectal cancer was more common among the younger age group, with a slight male preponderance. They were mostly urban dwellers and civil/public servants. Bleeding per rectum being the most common complaint, majority of the cases presented at an advanced stage. Early detection through public health education, screening programs, affordable and effective treatment, and follow-up will help reverse this trend

Aspects paracliniques du cancer de la prostate à Cotonou : à propos de 109 cas

But : Explorer les aspects paracliniques du cancer de la prostate à Cotonou et plus spécifiquement les aspects épidémiologiques, biologiques, radiologiques et anatomo-pathologiques. Patients et méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective à visée descriptive sur une durée de huit ans, colligeant tous les cas de cancer de la prostate diagnostiqués au service d'UrologieAndrologie du CNHU HKM de Cotonou. Résultats : 109 cas ont été colligés au total. L'incidence du cancer de la prostate sur les 8 ans était de 4,7%. Le taux moyen de PSA était de 830,2 ng/ml. Le seul type histologique retrouvé après examen histologique des pièces de biopsie était l'adénocarcinome. Dans 28% des cas le score de Gleason était 6. L'imagerie d'extension la plus réalisée était la radiographie conventionnelle (62,4%).L'atteinte à distance la plus fréquente était celle osseuse (52,9%). La classification TNM de la majorité des patients étaient T2cNxMx (25,6%) Conclusion : Le cancer de la prostate est une pathologie du sujet âgé de plus de 50 ans souvent vu tardivement dans notre milieu. Son diagnostic paraclinique onéreux sous nos cieux rend difficile la réalisation du bilan d'extension et limite les indications de chirurgie radicale

Malignant and pre-malignant oesophageal pathology in a South African teaching hospital

Background: South Africa (SA) has one of the highest global incidences of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus (SCC). A decreasing incidence of oesophageal SCC in SA has been suggested. The study aimed to assess whether the incidence of these malignant histopathological subtypes has changed in this setting. Methods: A retrospective review of histopathological reports on pre-malignant and malignant oesophageal lesions over three time periods (TP), namely: 2003­4 (TP1), 2008­9 (TP2) and 2013­14 (TP3) was carried out at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa.Results: A total of 1341 specimen reports were retrieved. TP1-3 consisted of 514 (39.3%), 320 (24.5%) and 474 (36.2%) patients respectively. Six hundred and forty-nine patients were male (48.3%), 642 were female (47.8%) and 50 were not specified. i.e. a sex ratio of 1.01:1. The mean age was 60.8 (± 11.8). There were 1197 Black patients (91.5%), 66 Asian (5.1%), 25 White (1.9%), 9 mixed ancestry (0.7%), and 11 of unknown race (0.8%). SCC was the most common cancer 1098 (89.1%) followed by adenocarcinoma (AC) 69 (5.6%). The ratio of SCC to AC remained fairly consistent over the total time period. Seventy-four oesophageal resections were performed with a yearly average resection rate of only 5.6%.Conclusions: SCC is still the most prevalent oesophageal cancer (OC) without an increase in the ratio of AC to SCC. The diagnosis of squamous cell dysplasia is concordant with previously cited rates. Barrett's oesophagitis remains uncommon. Resection rates for OC are low but similar to other South African referring centers

Dégénérescence carcinomateuse d'une maladie de Ménétrier. A propos d'une observation et revue de la littérature

La maladie de Ménétrier est une affection rare caractérisée par l'hypertrophie des gros plis gastriques avec un risque accru de dégénérescence. Si la cause reste inconnue, il a été mis en évidence récemment une expression du facteur de croissance épidermique sur les cellules pathologiques de la muqueuse gastrique. Une femme de 25 ans a été reçue pour des épigastralgies associées à des vomissements. L'endoscopie digestive haute évoquait une gastropathie hypertrophique ulcéro-infiltrative évocatrice de dégénérescence de maladie de Ménétrier confirmée par l'histologie (adénocarcinome peu différencié). La patiente a reçu une chimiothérapie par paclitaxel + cysplatine pour obtenir une survie de 6 mois. La Maladie de Ménétrier découverte à un stade précoce est curable. La découverte tardive chez notre patient soulève le problème de l'endoscopie digestive haute chez le sujet jeune devant toute épigastralgie persistante

Apport de la cytoponction dans la prise en charge des tumeurs mammaires: 15 années de pratique du laboratoire de cytologie et d'anatomie pathologique d'une polyclinique d'Abidjan de janvier 2000 à décembre 2014

Introduction : Le cancer du sein fait la gravité des tumeurs mammaires. C'est le cancer le plus fréquent chez la femme dans le monde et qui représente 16 % de l'ensemble des cancers féminins. En Côte d'Ivoire, il occupe le 1er rang chez la femme, suivi du cancer du col de l'utérus. Il représente aujourd'hui un problème majeur de santé publique aussi bien dans nos pays en développement que dans les pays développés. Son diagnostic requiert plusieurs examens dont l'analyse cytologique d'orientation. L'objectif de ce travail était d'évaluer l'apport de la cytoponction mammaire dans la prise en charge de ces tumeurs. Matériel et Méthodes : il s'agit d'une étude transversale rétrospective à visée descriptive et analytique sur une période de 15 ans à la Polyclinique Internationale Sainte Anne Marie(PISAM). Les données ont été recueillies à l'aide d'une fiche d'enquête renfermant les paramètres sociodémographiques et les résultats des différentes analyses. Ces données ont été analysées à l'aide du logiciel Epi-data et le test Khi 2. Résultats : 76 dossiers ont été colligés. L'âge moyen des patients était de 35,96 ans avec des extrêmes de 13 et 71 ans. Le sexe féminin prédominait, 97,4 %. Les nulligestes représentaient 43,4 % des patientes et les nullipares 54 %. Les motifs d'analyse étaient dominés par le nodule mammaire dans 63,2 %. 10,3 % des masses étaient fixées et douloureuses dans 58,5 %. Au plan cytologique, 82,9 % des tumeurs étaient bénignes dominées par l'adénofibrome, 48,4 % et 17,1 % malignes avec 78,6 % d'adénocarcinome. La concordance entre l'examen cytologique et anatomopathologique a été de 95 %. Conclusion : la cytoponction à l'aiguille fine permet une bonne orientation diagnostique des tumeurs mammaires. Cependant, pour une meilleure prise en charge thérapeutique faisant recours au traitement hormonal, elle est de plus en plus remplacée par la microbiopsie qui permet la détection de récepteurs hormonaux spécifiques par la technique de l'immunohistochimie

Cervical Squamous Intraepitherial Lesions at King Faisal Hospital: A Systematic Review: April 2009 - April 2011

Background: The cervical cancer is the most common cause of mortality with cancer among women in developing countries. Cervical screening tests are used to detect precancerous lesions in various stages of development when they can be treated. Screening for cervical cancer involves women who are at risk for cervical cancer but have no current signs; symptoms or complaints referable to the cervix; or have no previous abnormal Pap smear and have no high risk factors for cervical cancer. This retrospection study was to review cervical smears evaluated in 24 months and squamous intraepithelial lesions detected among the 1;673 cases studied. Methods: Ethanol and spray fixed cervical smears were received by the laboratory from the outpatients department at King Faisal Hospital and from collaborating institutions. The smears were stained by Papanicolaou method and evaluated on the light microscope. 1;673 smears were selected for this study. Results: There were 19 (19/1673) squamous intraepithelial lesions of various grades. 7 (7/19) were low grade squamous intraepithelial (LS1Ls); 11 (11/19) were high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) and 1 (1/19) was adenocarcinoma. 5 (5/19) lesions were associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Conclusion: This review shows a low incidence of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions due to the high cost of the test in a high cost health care institution; hence the small number of risky women accessing the test. A bigger study to include a spectrum of all risky women is required

Effusion Cytology at King Faisal Hospital; Kigali: A Review of 151 Cases

Introduction: The clinical management of patients presenting with effusions requires the determination of the cause of the effusion for direction of options of management. The cytologic examination of the effusion is usually required to rule out or confirm malignancy. This is a retrospective review of 151 effusions cytologically investigated at King Faisal Hospital. Methods: One hundred and fifty one effusions collected in EDTA tubes were investigated. The specimens were centrifuged; and from the sediment alcohol-fixed; air-dried smears were prepared for Papanicolaou and Diff-Quik staining; respectively. Results: From the total of 151 effusions; malignant cells were identified in 26 cases as follows: 15 pleural; 8 ascitic and 3 peritoneal malignancies consisted of 15 adenocarcinomas; 5 lymphomas; 3 mesotheliomas 2 myelomas and 1 small cell carcinoma. Conclusions: Malignant effusions constituted 17 percent of all the effusions examined. Adenocarcinomas were the most frequently diagnosed metastatic malignancies in both pleural and ascitic effusions and in both females and males. Primary sites of most of the malignancies could not be determined except for mesotheliomas and small cell carcinoma

Effects of Non-Thermal Mobile Phone Radiation on Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells

Mobile phone usage currently exceeds landline communication in Africa. The extent of this usage has raised concerns about the long-term health effects of the ongoing use of mobile phones. To assess the physiological effects of radiation from mobile phones in vitro; MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells were exposed to 2W/kg non-thermal 900-MHz mobile phone radiation. The effects investigated were those on metabolic activity; cell morphology; cell cycle progression; phosphatidylserine (PS) externalisation and the generation of reactive oxygen species and nitrogen species. Statistically insignificant increases in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity were observed in irradiated cells when compared to controls. Fluorescent detection of F-actin demonstrated an increase in F-actin stress fibre formation in irradiated MCF-7 cells. Cell cycle progression revealed no statistically significant variation. A small increase in early and late apoptotic events in irradiated MCF-7 cells was observed. No statistically significant changes were observed in reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species generation. In addition; quantitative and qualitative analyses of cell cycle activity and nuclear and cytosolic changes; respectively; revealed no significant changes. In conclusion; exposure to 1 h of 900-MHz irradiation induced an increase in PS externalisation and an increase in the formation of F-actin stress fibres in MCF-7 cells. Data obtained from this study; and their correlation with other studies; provides intriguing links between radio frequency radiation and cellular events and warrant further investigation

Le traitement chirurgical des adenocarcinomes de la jonction osogastrique: Experience marocaine a travers une serie de 149 cas

Introduction: L'incidence du cancer de la Jonction oesogastrique (JOG) ne cesse d'augmenter depuis les deux dernieres decades aussi bien dans les pays industrialises que dans les pays en voie dedeveloppement notamment le Maroc. Le rapprochement sur le plan etiopathogenique desadenocarcinomes (ADK) du cardia et ceux du bas oesophage reste un sujet de controverse posant leprobleme du choix therapeutique chirurgical; notamment l'etendu de la resection. Le but de ce travail est de dresser le profil epidemiologique des patients operes pour un ADK du cardia et analyser les gesteschirurgicaux realises par l'equipe chirurgicale A du centre hospitalier universitaire IBN SINA a Rabat atravers une serie de 149 cas. Methodes: Il s'agit d'une etude retrospective ayant interesse les malades operes pour un ADK de la JOG sur une periode de 15 annees (1990-2004) en chirurgie A du CHU IBNSINA a Rabat. Resultats: 149 cas d'ADK de la JOG ont ete retenus. L'age moyen etait de 55 ans; 76etaient de sexe masculin avec un sex-ratio de 3/1. Les signes cliniques les plus frequemment observessont la dysphagie (70); les douleurs epigastriques (67) et le reflux gastro-oesophagien (15.5). La notion de tabagisme n'a ete rapportee que chez 20des cas et l'oesophage de barret chez 10des patients. Le type I de Siewert a concerne 65 cas (43.5); le type II 40 cas (27); et le type III 44 cas (29.5). Dans le type I une oesophagectomie transhiatale a ete proposee; alors que les type II et III ont ete traite comme un cancer de l'estomac par une gastrectomie totale. Les suites operatoires etaient simples chez 80des patients; la mortalite globale etait de 8.5. Conclusion: L'oesophagectomie par voie transhiatale chez les patients fragiles avec un ADK de la JOG de type I permet des resultats carcinologiques satisfaisants avec reduction de la morbidite postoperatoire par rapport a la voie transthoracique. La gastrectomie totale est le traitement de choix pour les types III; alors que le debat est toujours ouvert quant a la meilleure strategie chirurgicale pour la prise en charge des tumeurs de type II

Challenges of pancreatic cancer management in a resource scarce setting

Backgrounds: Of all forms of gastrointestinal malignancy; adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is associated with the worst survival. Management of pancreatic cancer is associated with some challenges. This study is aimed at determining the hospital incidence; sociodemographic characteristics; managements and management's outcome of carcinoma of pancreas at our hospital. We also discuss the management challenges encountered with these patients. Material and methods: We reviewed 96 pancreatic cancer patients seen at Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex; Ile -Ife; Nigeria; from July 1989 to July 2007. Results: There were ninety six patients diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas but only 80 patients had histological proof of pancreatic cancer. This account for 2.1of all malignancies seen and 238/100000 total admissions during the study riod. The median age is 55.0. There were 62 (64.6) male and 34 (35.4) female with male to female ratio been 2:1. Duration of symptoms in the patients ranges from 4 weeks to 109 weeks. Only three (3.1) patients has mor located in a particular anatomical sub site: two head of pancreas and one tail of the pancreas. Other patients had extensive tumor involving the head and body of the pancreas. Two patients had creaticoduodenectomy; one had resection of the tumor at the tail of pancreas and 45 patients had triple bypass. Patients with low serum albumin and serum sodium and elevated transaminases at presentation; had poorer prognosis than other patients. Conclusion: Pancreatic cancer is not uncommon in our center with male preponderance. Most patients present with advanced condition only amenable to palliative measures. There are significant challenges in the area of diagnosis; screening; treatment and research

Urological Malignancies in Port Harcourt; Nigeria: a 14-Year Review

Background: Urological malignancies are complex; covering the urinary system in both sexes and the genital system of males. They are common in this setting and posing a lot of problems to the patients. In most cases; the disease terminates in the death of the patient. Aim: To study the pattern and frequency of urological malignancies. Methods: All the urological tissues histologically diagnosed as malignant at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital; Port Harcourt; Nigeria between 1990 and 2003 were retrospectively studied. Variables such as the age and sex of the patients; anatomical site of the cancer; laterality of the tumours; clinical presentation and the histological types were obtained from the theatre operation register; patient's case notes; histology request forms; reports and autopsy reports. Results: There were 270 histologically confirmed urological malignancies during the period under review. This accounted for 11.3of the total malignancies and affected all ages of both sexes with a male to female ratio of 9.8:1 . The 70 years and above age group were most affected [103(38.1)] and carcinoma of the prostate was the most frequent [189(70.0)]. Adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland was the leading histological variant [187(64.0)] and urinary outflow obstruction was the most common clinical presentation [62(23.0)]. Conclusion: Urological malignancies are fairly common in this environment and carcinoma of the prostate gland is dominating

Usefulness of multi-detector row computed tomography for accurate preoperative assessment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: report of a case

A 74-year-old female underwent surgical treatment for adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. Preoperative multi-detector row computed tomography (MD-CT) demonstrated tumor invasion into the accessory right colic vein and the branch of the middle colic artery (MCA); which was not detected by digital subtraction angiography. MD-CT showed anatomical variants in the left hepatic artery arising from the left gastric artery; and the right posterior hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery. Three-dimensional reconstruction CT generated a clear picture of the anatomy of the region concerned; which is essential for a safe operation. The MD-CT findings were highly consistent with the intra-operative findings. We have demonstrated that MD-CT is an important and highly accurate modality for pancreatic surgery

Aspects histopathologiques de tumeurs vasculaires cervico faciales en orl au CNHU de Cotonou (1985-2005) / Histopathological aspects of cervico-facial vascular tumors in ENT at the CNHU of Cotonou (1985-2005)

Dans une étude rétrospective entre le 1er janvier 1985 et le 30 juin 2005, vingt six (26) cas de tumeurs vasculaires avec confirmation histopathologique ont été recensées en ORL au CNHU de Cotonou. Les sujets de 0 à 20 ans ont constitué 57,6% de la série. La prédominance a été masculine 57,6%. Les motifs de consultation les plus enregistrés ont été la tuméfaction de la face 53,9% et celle du cou 30,9%. L'histopathologie a révélé 88,5% de tumeurs bénignes et 11,6% de tumeurs malignes. Les principales étiologies retrouvées ont été : l'hémangiome 65,3%, le lymphangiome 19,2% et l'hémangio-endothéliome malin 7,6%.