Abstract

SARCOMAS OF SOFT TISSUES AND BONES IN ADEN, YEMEN

Gamal Abdul Hamid*, Afif Nabhi, Safa Shukry

ABSTRACT

Background: Very little epidemiological data regarding soft tissues and bone sarcomas from Yemen in general and Aden region in particular are available. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compile epidemiological data regarding age, gender and site distribution, and to correlate our findings with published western data in order to determine whether there were any significant differences in our population compared to the west. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at National Oncology Center, Aden, Yemen from 2009 to 2013. Results: Out of 107 newly diagnosed patients 54 belonged to bone sarcoma and 53 to soft tissue sarcoma group. The majority of STS in our study occurred in the second and third decades of life; they were common in females. The majority of bone sarcomas occurred in the first and second decades of life; they were common in males. The most common sites of origin was lower extremities in 55.1%, retroperitoneal 11.2%, trunk 10.3% and upper extremities 9.3%. Conclusion: The treatment of sarcoma is a multidisciplinary approach, and patients have benefited from multimodality treatment. In Aden region, Yemen, delayed and advanced stages of the disease are the rule. We recommend to establish good interdisciplinary relationships among the managing physicians and educate our patients on early presentation to the hospital.

Keywords: Bone, soft tissue, Sarcoma, epidemiology, Yemen.