Digestive Cancers at the Conakry University Hospital Center: Epidemiological, Clinical, Histological, and Therapeutic Aspects

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological, anatomo-clinical and therapeutic aspects of cancers of the digestive tract. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study lasting 6 years (January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019), based on the complete records of patients hospitalized and operated on for histologically proven digestive tract cancers. Results: Out of 4681 patient records, we collected 297 cases of digestive cancers (6.34%). The mean age was 52.70 years. Male predominance was noted, with a sex ratio of 1.17. Fifty-seven percent of patients resided in Conakry, and 64.30% of cases were treated at the Donka oncology unit. Housewives were most represented, with a predominance of married patients; alcohol was the most common vice (7.07%). Gastro-duodenal ulcer was the most common comorbidity. The average consultation time was 9.86 ±10.4 months; 29.62% of patients were seen after more than 9 months. The clinical picture was dominated by epigastralgia, nausea and vomiting. The stomach was the predominant site, followed by the colon. For histological analysis, surgical specimens were the most common. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type, and macroscopically, the infiltrating type was the most common. Surgical treatment was the most common, with tumor resection the most frequently performed procedure. Follow-up was uncomplicated in 71.04% of cases, with morbidity of 5.05% and mortality of 23.91%. Conclusion: Cancers of the digestive tract are frequent, of late diagnosis and of poor prognosis. Equipping hospitals, screening and early treatment, as well as raising public awareness, could improve prognosis.