Clinical, endoscopic and histological profile of colorectal cancers seen on colonoscopy in Kano, North-Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. With 5% risk of developing CRC in life, it became the third leading cause of cancer death in developed nations. In Nigeria, it is the most common GI cancer. However, there are limited data on CRC in the study area (North-Western part of Nigeria). The aim of this study was to identify the clinical, endoscopic and histological profile of CRC seen on colonoscopy. METHODOLOGY: This was a retrospective descriptive study where colonoscopic and histological records of suspected CRC in the study centre between January 2008 to December 2017 were evaluated. RESULTS: Records of 135 patients were reviewed, and males constituted 63.7%. The mean age was 46.61 ± 16.80 years, with 30-39 years as a modal group. Common presentations were diarrhoea (86.7%) and bleeding per rectum (68.9%). Areas affected were rectosigmoid colon (63%), ascending colon (14.1%), descending colon (8.9%), transverse colon (7.4%) and anal canal (6.7%). Histologically, adenocarcinoma was reported in 57.8%, mucinous adenocarcinoma in 8.1% and signet ring cell adenocarcinoma in 3.7%. Tubular and villous adenomas were 3% each. Others were carcinoid tumours (1.5%), metastatic adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, GI stromal tumour, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour, angiosarcoma and adenoid cyst carcinoma reported in 0.7% each. CONCLUSION: Majority of the patients with CRC were in their young age. The most common presentations were diarrhoea, weight loss and anaemia. The most common site of affectation was in the left colon, while the most common histological finding was adenocarcinoma.

Pattern of presentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease among patients with dyspepsia in Kano, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia is a symptom complex rather than a specific disease entity. It can be caused by both organic and functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) though a common digestive disorder worldwide is scarcely reported in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of presentation of GORD among patients with dyspepsia. METHODS: One hundred and seventy dyspeptic patients were recruited consecutively as they were referred to the Gastroenterology Unit of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for upper GI endoscopy. A prepared questionnaire on relevant demographic and clinical history relating to GORD was administered. Upper GI endoscopy was then performed on each patient. RESULTS: The prevalence of GORD was 24.1%, with a M:F ratio of 1:1.1. Endoscopy-positive variant accounted for 16 cases (9.4%), while endoscopy-negative variant accounted for 25 cases (14.7%), with of the total GORD patients, 26(63.4%) were males while 15(36.6%) were females. Los Angeles Grade A (37.5%) was the predominant endoscopic esophageal mucosal injury found in 6 cases. Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma accounted 4.9% each and were considered to be rare. Extra-esophageal manifestations were also rare. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopy-negative variant still remains the predominant endoscopic finding in GORD patients.