Publication:

Epidemiology of ovarian cancer in Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Background The aim of this study is to assess ovarian cancer epidemiology and detect its prognostic factors in Assuit, Egypt.

Methods This retrospective study was performed between January 2010 and December 2015, on all cases attending to Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic in all central hospitals in Assiut. 378 females (≥40 years old) came to Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic from January 2010 to December 2015. Inclusion criteria: All females (≥40 years old), history of current acute or chronic pelvic pain, mass; fixed, hard consistency, history of previous similar condition.

Results Mean age for whole ovarian cancer cases in this study was 56.44±10.08 (range, 40-85). Nulliparity was found in one case (0.3%), while multiparity was found in 252 cases (66.7%). Grand multiparity was found in 113 cases (29.9%). Twelve cases (3.2%) were virgin. Vaginal ultrasound can find all ovarian cancer cases. Regarding the serum levels of the tumor biomarker, CA-125, the average level of CA-125 is 300-1000 U/ml with 34.9% of cases had readings below to 300-1000 U/ml and 6.1% of cases had readings above to this average level. Regarding treatment, treatment combining surgery with chemotherapy was the main line of management in present study (46.3%). About 33.3% of cases underwent surgery, while only 18.3% took the chance of chemotherapy. Eight cases (2.1%) had no treatment.

Conclusions Epithelial ovarian cancer is a lethal disease. The age incidence of ovarian cancer in present patients is ten years younger than what is re¬ported in US SEER data and other Western countries. CA-125 level and ultrasonography are increasing the rate of suspicious for diagnosis of malignant tumors.