Anatomical Pathology Laboratory Activity in Meknes, Morocco

Abstract

Cancer continues to be a major health problem in the world. During 2018, there were 9.6 million deaths and 18.1 million new cases registered across the globe. It is estimated that one in 5 men and one in 6 women will develop cancer during their lifetime. This disease kills one in 8 men and one in 11 women. Developing countries have seen an increase in cancer occurrence and change in type of cancers due to change in social and economic conditions. The objective of this research was to further evaluate 1659 specimens for anatomical pathology testing. The data was collected from the records of the pathological anatomy laboratory at the Mohamed V Hospital in Meknes, Morocco. It is one-year study period (January-December 2013). Results of the anatomy pathology exam showed cancer positive for 9.6% of specimens; inconclusive for 1%; and negative for 66.2%. For all specimens, the most analyzed organs are breast with 29.7%; skin with 21.3%; cervical with 2.6%. For cancer patients, the most affected organs are skin (21.3%) and breast (29.7%). For cancer patients, Neoplasm is present in 9.3% of patients. Patients with metastatic cancer represent 0.3%. Patients with non-neoplastic lesions represent 66.2%. 1% of patients represent uncertain results. Additional immunohistochemistry research is needed before conclusive recommendations are made.