Author: Juliet Oluchukwu OFFOR , Fatima Inusa ANGA, Munirah ALMUSTAPHA, Olufunmbi Olukemi MAKINDE

Manuscript ID: AFMJ-Jul-2024-2392 Date Published: 2024-09-16 18:42:53

Background:

Choriocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignant tumour that can be cured when discovered early. This study aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors and management of gestational choriocarcinoma at Federal Medical Centre Abuja (FMCA).

Methods:

This was a four-year retrospective study at FMCA, from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2020. All the cases of choriocarcinoma were identified from the gynaecological ward register, their case notes retrieved, and relevant information extracted. Total live births were also retrieved from labour ward records.

Results:

A total of 10,322 live births were recorded. The incidence of choriocarcinoma was 78 cases per 100,000 live births, translating to approximately 1 in every 1,290 live births, with a case-fatality rate of 12.5%. The majority of cases occurred in women aged 30 to 39 years (50.0%), most of whom were multiparous (87.5%), married (87.5%), had completed tertiary education (87.5%), and worked as civil servants (62.5%). A history of previous abortion was identified as a risk factor in 62.5% of the cases. After treatment, there were two successful pregnancies, accounting for 25.0% of cases.

Conclusion:

The incidence of gestational choriocarcinoma from our study was 1 in 1,290 live births with a case-fatality rate of 12.5%. Previous abortion posed a greater risk for choriocarcinoma. Gestational choriocarcinoma is a curable cancer and early detection with prompt treatment is necessary in mitigating mortality.

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