Factors associated with carcinoma of the oesophagus at Mulago Hospital, Uganda

Background

In Uganda, as in many other parts of the world cancer of the oesophagus (CAE) is on the rise. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are the common subtypes. Risk factors for this cancer have been identified but not studied systematically in Uganda. Identification of these factors would enable establishment of preventive measures.

Objective

To determine the prevalence, histological features and associated factors for CAE among patients referred to the endoscopic unit of Mulago hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

We performed a 1-year cross-sectional study in 2004 and 2005 of all patients presenting for oesophageal-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) at Mulago Hospital. Demographic characteristics, behavioural practices, endoscopy findings and histology results where biopsies were performed were collected using a study tool. Data analysis was done using STATA 8® statistical package

Results

Two hundred nineteen patients were enrolled in the study, three were excluded because they could not tolerate the endoscopy procedure. Fifty five (19%) of the 287 had histologically proven CAE. Squamous cell carcinoma was found in 100% of tumours of the upper third, 91% middle third, and 73% lower third of the oesophagus. Four patients had a histological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. Factors that were associated with CAE included age (OR 1.63, CI 1.34–1.98, p value <0.001), smoking (OR 3.63, CI 1.82–7.23, p value <0.001) and gender (OR 2.17, CI 1.07–4.41, p value 0.032).

Conclusion

Many patients referred for EGD in Uganda had esophageal cancer most of which were.squamous cell type. Smoking, male gender and older age were risk factors. Preventive measures should target stopping smoking.