Cancer of the vulva in Burkina Faso: a hospital-based case series

Abstract

BackgroundVulvar cancer is a rare gynaecological cancer. In Burkina Faso, the diagnosis of vulvar cancers is delayed and the prognosis is poor. However, no specific study on vulvar cancers has been conducted at the moment. This work aimed to study the characteristics of these cancers.MethodsThis is a prospective study on histologically confirmed primary cancers of the vulva diagnosed between 1st January 2013 and 30th June 2015. The demographic and clinical aspects were studied at the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital of Ouagadougou (CHU-YO).ResultsWe noticed 21 cases of vulvar cancers within 30 months, ranking it as the 4th most common gynaecological cancer. The average age of the patients was 55 years (standard deviation +/− 6.3) and the median age was 57 years. Scars resulting from female circumcision, menopause (n = 20) and HIV infection were noticed in 19 cases and 6 cases respectively. The average time from first symptoms to first consultation was 29 months. Pain and ulceration were the main reasons for consultation. The clinical picture was chiefly an ulcero-granulating tumour. There was squamous cell carcinoma in 20 cases and basal carcinoma in 1 case. Fifteen patients were at stage III or IV, where of three patients had metastatic disease. We noticed vitiligo in 9 vulvar cancer cases.ConclusionThe cancer of the vulva is rare. Women are of menopausal age, are mostly circumcised and HIV-infection is common. A majority of patients sought consultation at advanced stage of disease, and diagnosis was belatedly made. Pain and ulceration were the main reasons for consultation. The sensitization of the population, education for self- examination would allow earlier diagnosis.

Clinical profile and treatment of patients with Vulvar Cancer: experience from a novice Gynecologic Oncology unit in Sub Saharan Africa

“…Although the reported duration of symptoms by the patient was 12 months, the majority of patients (58%) presented at an early stage, speci cally stage I and II. This is in contrast to ndings from other African countries, where as much as 75% of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages [7,8,10].…”

Vulvar Neoplasia in Cameroon, West Africa: Diagnostic Challenges

“…Her positive HIV status probably placed her at a disadvantage of rapid disease progression, because HIV is a risk factor for HPV associated vulvar cancer [19]. Contrary to previous opinions that vulvar cancer is a disease of elderly or postmenopausal women, the disease is becoming more prevalent in younger women, especially in areas of high HIV prevalence [21,22]. ment [14].…”

Epidemiological Situation and Medical Management of Gynaecological and Breast Cancers from 1998 to 2018 in West Africa: A Systematic Review

“…Also, in Burkina Faso, a prospective study (2 years) noticed 21 vulvar cancers (mean age was 55 years), ranking it as the 4th commonest of gynaecological cancers. Scars from female circumcision and HIV infection were noticed [28]. While in Nigeria, over a 12-year period, there were 867 gynaecological cancers and vulvar carcinoma presented 1.27%.…”

“…Patients are mostly circumcised and HIV-infection is common. A majority of diagnosis was belatedly made [28]. The education for self-examination and awareness of the population would allow earlier diagnosis.…”