Abstract:

Background and aim: Cervical cancer is a commonest female gynecological malignancy and representing the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. It remains a significant public health concern in Tanzania, particularly in the Lake Zone despite the availability of preventive measures. This study aims to analyze the clinicopathological profiles of cervical cancer cases diagnosed at BMC histopathology laboratory by determining the clinical presentations and demographic distribution, pathological profiles, and tumor grades of cervical cancer patients.

Methods: Utilizing a retrospective cross-sectional design, data was collected from pathology reports, medical records, and the laboratory's HMIS over a 5 years period. The study analysed data from 368 cases diagnosed with cervical cancer at BMC histopathology laboratory.

Result: A total of 368 patients from 2018 to 2023 were recruited into the study. the peak occurrence was in the 40-49 years of age group and majority of patients were para 5 and above. Mara 21.7%, Simiyu 13.6% and Shinyanga 12.2% were mostly affected regions. Majority of cervical cancer patients presented with complaints of vaginal bleeding 205(55.7%). Squamous cell carcinoma presents in 322(87.5%) patients was the most prevalent pattern of cervical cancer, followed by adenocarcinoma 38(10.3%) and cervical sarcoma 4(1.1%). The grade squamous cell carcinoma in majority of the patients was moderately differentiated 54%

Conclusion: Our study suggests that cervical cancer is more prevalent among older women aged between 40 to 49 years, among grand multipara and those living in Mara region. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent histological type at the facility.