An overview of the presentation and management of vulvovaginal cancers at the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre

Abstract

Background: Vulvovaginal cancer (VVC) are two rare malignancies in women which are less prevalent than other gynecological cancer.

Aim: This study seeks to investigate the evaluation of the presentation and management of VVC cases at our institution, aiming to contribute to a deeper understanding of VVC within sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of all VVC cases seen at the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre from May 2019 to June 2024. Data on clinical presentation and treatment modalities were collated and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 27.0.

Results: Out of a total of 10,376 cancer cases reported during the study period, 0.6% (67 cases) were accounted as VVC, the median age at presentation was 54 years range: 32-88 years). Vaginal bleeding (41.8%), lump (41.8%) and vaginal swelling (32.8%) were the major presenting symptoms. Immunosuppression Human Immunodeficiency Virus, alcohol, multiple sexual partners and family history of cancer were the most identified risk factors. Histological examination identified squamous cell carcinoma as the predominant subtype (74.8%). Most cases were diagnosed at stage IV (52.2%). Treatment uptake was average, with 23.9% received surgery, 40.3% receiving chemotherapy and 56.7% undergoing radiotherapy.

Conclusion: The incidence of VVC is increasing in Nigeria, particularly among young women. This study showed late presentation and advanced-stage cancer with vaginal bleeding, lump and vaginal swelling as the most presenting symptoms. It is imperative to increase awareness, which potentially facilitates early detection of the disease.

Keywords: Nigeria; clinical presentation; risk factors; treatment; vulvovaginal cancer (VVC).