Descriptive Epidemiology and Management of Gynecological Malignancies at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To document the frequency and management of various gynecological malignancies presenting at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad over a period of five years.

Methodology: This descriptive case series study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad over a period of five years from September 2019 to August 2024.  Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was employed. All patients who presented to the hospital with any gynecological malignancy were included in the study. Non-consenting patients, those with gestational trophoblastic tumors and benign tumors were excluded. Minimum follow up of three years was ensured. The patients received treatment according to established standard protocols.

Results: During the study period, a total of 234 women presented with various gynecological malignancies. The highest frequency was of ovarian carcinoma 162(69.23%), followed by carcinoma cervix 42(17.94%), endometrial carcinoma 24(10.25%), and Carcinoma of the vulva 6(2.56%). Among the ovarian cancers, the share of epithelial tumors was 150(92.6%), germ cell tumors were 9(5.56%), whereas stromal tumors were 3(1.85%).

Conclusion: Cancers of ovary and cervix were the commonest malignancies observed. Delayed presentation with advanced disease was common. Education and awareness about gynecological malignancies on part of the public would help to ensure early presentation and better treatment outcomes. Given the magnitude of the problem, development of a national Cancer registry for gynecological cancers is the need of the hour.