Demographic and Histopathological Spectrum of Gastrointestinal Cancers Excluding Hepatobiliary System: A 10-Year Review from Makurdi, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a significant global health burden, with rising incidence and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Despite this trend, there is a paucity of region-specific data in many parts of Nigeria, particularly on extra-hepatobiliary GI malignancies. This study aims to evaluate the demographic and histopathological spectrum of gastrointestinal cancers, excluding the hepatobiliary site, in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted over 10 years (January 2014 – December 2023) at the histopathology department of a tertiary hospital in Makurdi. All histologically confirmed malignant GI tumours, excluding hepatobiliary cancers, were retrieved and analysed for anatomical site, age, sex, and histological subtype. A total of 155 gastrointestinal malignancies were identified. Colorectal and anal cancers were most common (83%), followed by gastric cancers (12%) and small intestine/mesenteric tumours (5%). The peak incidence occurred between the 5th and 6th decades of life, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological type (64.4%), with mucinous (13%) and poorly differentiated variants (7%) also noted. Gastric cancers were mainly adenocarcinomas (74%), while colorectal malignancies showed diverse histological subtypes, including mucinous, signet ring, and papillary variants. Colorectal and gastric cancers constitute the majority of GI malignancies in Makurdi, with adenocarcinoma being the most frequent histologic type. The predominance in middle-aged adults and the diversity of histological patterns highlight the need for region-specific cancer control strategies, improved diagnostic capacity, and public health interventions targeting early detection and prevention.