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Childhood malignancies in an Ethiopian teaching hospital
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Gonder College of Medical Sciences, Ethiopia.
Insights
This study analyzed childhood cancers in Ethiopia from 1981-1990. Lymphoma was the most frequent malignant disease in children, followed by bone and soft tissue sarcomas.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood malignant diseases present unique challenges in resource-limited settings.
- Understanding local patterns of pediatric cancers is crucial for effective healthcare planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the epidemiological patterns of childhood malignant diseases.
- To analyze the incidence and types of pediatric cancers over a ten-year period (1981-1990).
- To provide baseline data for comparison with international findings.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted.
- Data were collected from the Paediatrics Department of Gonder College of Medical Sciences.
- Medical records of pediatric patients admitted between 1981 and 1990 were reviewed.
Main Results:
- A total of 71 children with malignant diseases were identified, representing 0.66% of pediatric admissions.
- The male to female ratio was 3.4:1.
- Lymphoma was the most common malignancy (25.4%), followed by bone and soft tissue sarcomas (19.7%), retinoblastoma (15.5%), and leukemia (11.3%).
Conclusions:
- Childhood cancers in this Ethiopian cohort show distinct patterns compared to some international data.
- Lymphoma and sarcomas are significant contributors to pediatric malignancies in the region.
- Further research and improved diagnostic capabilities are needed to address childhood cancers effectively.
Abstract:
A retrospective study for the ten year period 1981 to 1990 was done to determine the pattern of childhood malignant diseases in the Paediatrics Department of the Gonder College of Medical Sciences, Gonder, Ethiopia. The 71 children identified represented 0.66% of the total paediatric admissions. Ages ranged between 4 months and 14 years with the male to female ratio 3.4:1. Lymphoma was the commonest tumour (25.4%) followed by bone and soft tissue sarcomas (19.7%) and retinoblastoma (15.5%). Leukaemia accounted for 11.3% of the cases. The findings are compared with those from other countries.