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The pattern of paediatric malignancy in Zambia (1980-1989): a hospital-based histopathological study
P S Patil1, B Elem, N J Gwavava
1Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka.
Insights
Pediatric cancers in Zambia show Non-Hodgkin
Area of Science:
- Pediatric oncology
- Epidemiology
- Cancer research in Africa
Background:
- Cancer patterns in indigenous Zambian children were previously documented.
- Understanding current trends is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the pattern of childhood malignancies in Zambia.
- To analyze trends in cancer incidence over a decade.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of histopathology, autopsy, and haematology records.
- Data collected over a 10-year period (1980-1989).
- Total of 525 neoplasms identified.
Main Results:
- Peak prevalence of childhood cancers observed in the 5-9 year age group.
- Most common malignancies: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (17.5%), Burkitt's lymphoma (13.9%), and retinoblastoma (11.4%).
- Significant increase in Kaposi's sarcoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma incidence compared to earlier reports.
Conclusions:
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the leading childhood cancer in Zambia.
- Rising incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma requires further investigation.
- Epidemiological surveillance of pediatric cancers in Zambia is essential.
Abstract:
The pattern of malignancies among indigenous Zambian children is described. The study, based upon an analysis of histopathology, autopsy and haematology records for a 10-year period (1980-1989), reveals a total of 525 neoplasms with a peak prevalence in the 5-9 year age group. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (17.5%) was the most common disorder followed by Burkitt's lymphoma (13.9%), retinoblastoma (11.4%), Kaposi's sarcoma (8.8%), Hodgkin's disease (5.9%), Wilms' tumour (5.9%), acute lymphocytic leukaemia (4%), rhabdomyosarcoma (3.4%), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (2.7%) and osteogenic sarcoma (2.1%). Kaposi's sarcoma and Hodgkin's disease revealed a significant male dominance; the former presented mainly in nodal form. Compared to an earlier report from Zambia (1968-1972), a significant increase in the incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma was noted in the present series.