Metastatic Pattern of Cervical Cancer Among Patients in South-East Nigeria
Vitalis Okwor, Chika Juliet Okwor, Uchenna Anthony Umeh, Ihuoma Rosemary Ogugbuaja, Ambe Marwel Yancho, Kosisochukwu Elijah Udeogu, Chisom Maryrose Ikpa, Chinelo Adaobi ChigboPURPOSE
Cervical cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women in low- and middle-income countries. Metastatic disease contributes significantly to poor prognosis and reduced survival, yet there is limited data on the metastatic pattern of cervical cancer in South-East Nigeria. This study evaluated the pattern of metastasis among patients with cervical cancer and its associated clinicopathological characteristics.
METHODS
This retrospective descriptive study reviewed the medical records of 154 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Chivick Foundation Hospital and Diagnostic Center. Demographic and clinical data were extracted. Histopathological diagnoses were confirmed from pathology reports, while metastatic status was obtained from imaging reports, biopsy findings, and clinical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square test was used to determine associations between clinicopathological variables and metastasis, with statistical significance set at
RESULTS
The mean age of the patients was 57.18 ± 12.60 years, with most patients aged 61-70 years (34.9%). Squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant histological subtype (84.5%). Most patients presented with advanced disease, with stage III accounting for 42.4% and stage IV for 20.8% of cases. Metastasis was present in 24.7% of patients. The liver and lungs were the most common metastatic sites, each accounting for 6.5% of cases, followed by lymph nodes (5.8%) and bone (1.9%). Most metastatic cases involved a single organ (22.1%). Metastases were most commonly detected within one year of diagnosis (58.5%). Advanced stage of disease showed a statistically significant association with metastasis (χ
2
= 43.487,
CONCLUSION
Approximately one-quarter of cervical cancer patients developed metastasis, with the liver and lungs being the most frequent sites of spread. Advanced disease stage was significantly associated with metastatic progression. These findings highlight the need for strengthened cervical cancer screening, earlier diagnosis, and prompt intervention to improve outcomes among women with cervical cancer in South-East Nigeria.