Frequency of Malignant Tumors : Reported at a Public Sector University Hospital A Five Year Data Based Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequencies of common malignant tumors in relation to the variables of age, sex, histology and site of tumor.

Study design: A cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Pathology Dow Medical College Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi from January 2006 to December 2010.

Materials and Methods: The specimens and relevant data was collected from pathology report forms by examining 5m thick slides prepared from paraffin blocks and staining with H&E and special stains e.g. PAS, Giemsa, Trichrome,and histopathological diagnosis was confirmed by microscopy.

Statistical analysis was done on SPSS (Ver 16).

Results: A total of 461 cases of malignant tumor were included from January 2006 to December 2010. Adenocarcinoma were 227 (49.2%). Squamous cell carcinoma with 190 cases (41.2%) were followed by Basal cell carcinoma 18 cases (3.9%). The most common sites of malignancy were Oral cavity with 102 cases (22.1%), Breast 96 cases (20.8%) followed by Cervix 40 cases (8.7%).

Out of 461 cases, 171 were male (37.1%) and 290 (62.9%) were female.

Conclusion: As in most developing countries, incidence of cancers is increasing in Pakistan. It is empirical that updated information on the frequency and epidemiology of malignant tumors be carried out. This will be beneficial in future health planning of the population at risk.