Review of radiation oncology emergencies in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
SA Journal of Oncology
| Field | Value | |
| Title | Review of radiation oncology emergencies in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria | |
| Creator | Adegboyega, Bolanle C. Sowunmi, Anthonia C. Alabi, Adewunmi O. Ojifinni, Oludoyinmola O. Adenipekun, Adeniyi A. | |
| Description | Background: Radiation oncology emergencies (ROEs) are common in metastatic or locally advanced cancer accounting for a large proportion of radiotherapy indications in poor resource settings.Aim: To review pattern, presentation and outcome of ROEs in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and compare with an earlier study in the northern part of the country for possible geographical variation.Setting: A retrospective review of ROE record from 2008 to 2016 in LUTH.Method: Demographic data, clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes were analysed using charts and frequency tables.Results: Total of 458 cases of oncologic emergencies were reviewed. The mean age was 52.3 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.2. The majority (85%) of the patients presented in stage IV, 10% stage III and 5% stage II diseases. Spinal cord compression was the commonest presentation seen in 53.9% of cases, brain metastases in 22.1% of patients and tumour haemorrhage in 22.5% of patients. Time from the onset of symptoms to treatment was between 24 and 48 h in 16.4%, 48 h to 1 week in 64.4% and above 1 week in 19.2%. There was a complete or significant response in signs and symptoms in 77%, no improvement in 11% and 1.1% had disease progression.Conclusion: This study showed a varied pattern of presentation in ROEs from what was obtained in northern Nigeria, with spinal cord compression being the commonest in south west Nigeria. Despite a delayed onset in treatment, radiation therapy is vital in oncology emergencies management. There is a need for accessible functional radiotherapy centres in Nigeria to combat the delays in commencing treatment. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2019-07-11 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/sajo.v3i0.66 | |
| Source | South African Journal of Oncology; Vol 3 (2019); 8 pages 2523-0646 2518-8704 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:
https://sajo.org.za/index.php/sajo/article/view/66/229
https://sajo.org.za/index.php/sajo/article/view/66/228
https://sajo.org.za/index.php/sajo/article/view/66/230
https://sajo.org.za/index.php/sajo/article/view/66/227
|
|
ADVERTISEMENT
