A study of pattern of gastrointestinal malignant neoplasms in the last decade (1987-1996) in Alexandria

The present study was conducted to reveal the pattern of different gastrointestinal malignant neoplasms in Alexandria in the last decade (1987-1996). All registered cases of GIT cancers in Alexandria. Main University Hospital in the last decade were included in the study. The results revealed that the total number of cases was 2184, 58.6% were males and 41.4% were females. The mean age of registered cases was significantly older among males than females (t = 2.43). The highest percentage (47.2%) of cases were in the age group (40- < 60 years). Less than quarters (73.3%) of the total cases have had malignant neoplasms of digestive organs and 26.7% have had malignant neoplasms of lips, oral cavity and pharynx. Of the latter category cancer pharynx came first in both sexes (49.9%) with the youngest mean age (45.65 +/- 15.79 years), followed by cancer tongue (24.9%) with the oldest mean age (58.56 +/- 12.4). Among cases of malignant neoplasms of digestive organs, cancer colon came first in both sexes (26.9%) with the youngest mean age (44.11 +/- 14.08 years). Cancer gall bladder came last (1.2%) with the oldest mean age (55.80 +/- 10.20 years). Over the last decade trend of malignant neoplasms of colon, rectum, liver and pancreas were increasing while the reverse was observed for cancer oesophagus and stomach. So it is necessary to plan for GIT cancer control programme.