Research Article
Pattern of Presentations and Management of Esophageal Cancer in Tumor Therapy and Cancer Research Center 2024
Ahmed Mahjoub Awad
,
Hiba Salah Abdelgadir*
,
Maram Mohamed Mostafa
,
Maram Elnair Elmagboul
,
Afra Kamal Ahmed
,
Mohammed Hammad Jaber
,
Aymen Khalid Mudawe
,
Hind Salah Abdelgadir
,
Lea Nohra
,
Fatima Abdallh
,
Mosab Abdelgader Ahmed
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
38-48
Received:
23 July 2025
Accepted:
22 September 2025
Published:
9 October 2025
Abstract: Background: Esophageal cancer is a global health concern, ranking as the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In Sudan, the rising incidence, particularly of adenocarcinoma, presents a significant challenge. Limited treatment resources affect patient outcomes, despite surgical management for localized disease and systemic therapy for metastatic cases. Early detection is crucial for improving prognosis. This study investigates the presentation patterns and management strategies for esophageal cancer within a Sudanese context. Methodology: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Tumor Therapy and Cancer Research Center in Sudan, analyzing 120 esophageal cancer patient records from 2016 to 2023. Data encompassed demographics, clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Ethical approvals were obtained prior to data collection. Results: Among the 120 patients, 105 had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 15 had adenocarcinoma (AC). The majority of patients were between 51–60 years (25.8%) and over 70 years (22.5%). More than half (61.7%) were female, and most resided in rural areas (77.5%). Helicobacter pylori infection (17.5%) was the most common risk factor, followed by smoking (10.8%). Other reported risk factors included gastroesophageal reflux disease, alcohol use, and a family history of esophageal cancer. Dysphagia was the most common presenting symptom, with most patients diagnosed at an advanced stage. Conclusion: SCC predominantly affected older females, while AC was more common in younger males. Dysphagia was the main presenting symptom. Low utilization of neoadjuvant therapy and higher mortality rates in AC patients (60% vs. 30.5% in SCC) highlight the need for improved screening, early diagnosis, optimized treatment protocols.
Abstract: Background: Esophageal cancer is a global health concern, ranking as the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In Sudan, the rising incidence, particularly of adenocarcinoma, presents a significant challenge. Limited treatment resources affect patient outcomes, despite surgical management for localized disease and systemic therapy for met...
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Research Article
Weight and Cardiac Health in Middle Aged People in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Syed Sardar Shah*,
Attiq Ur Rehman,
Ziad Khan,
Mohsin Ali
,
Aftab Ahmad
,
Shah Nawaz
,
Saleem Jan
,
Syed Shayan Ahmad
,
Rizwan Ullah
,
Kashif Rasool
,
Shayan Ali Yousafzai
,
Shahid Bacha
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
49-55
Received:
15 September 2025
Accepted:
24 September 2025
Published:
22 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.plm.20250902.12
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Abstract: Method: We examined how body weight affects cardiovascular health in adults aged 30–50 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, by analyzing de-identified records from hospitals (June 2022–March 2025). We calculated body mass index (BMI) and classified patients by WHO Asian criteria: normal (18.5–22.9), overweight (23.0–27.4), and obese (≥27.5 kg/m2). We recorded hypertension (HTN), coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), and arrhythmia, and applied statistical tests (ANOVA, logistic regression) to derive odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Mean age was 39.8 years (SD 5.7); 48% were female; 200 were normal-weight, 178 overweight, and 122 obese. Hypertension was present in 20.0%, 39.9%, and 58.2% of the normal, overweight, and obese participants (p<0.001). CAD rates were 4.5%, 6.7%, and 22.1%; MI rates were 2.5%, 9.6%, and 15.6% in the normal, overweight, and obese groups (p<0.001). Systolic BP rose from 120 mmHg (normal) to 139 mmHg (obese) (p<0.001), and BMI strongly correlated with BP (r≈0.50, p<0.001). In adjusted models, overweight vs normal had OR=2.70 (95% CI 1.61–4.52) and obese vs normal had OR=5.75 (3.34–9.91) for HTN (p<0.001). For CAD, obese vs normal had OR=6.14 (2.77–13.61, p<0.001); for MI, overweight had OR≈4.14 (1.04–16.47) and obese OR≈7.10 (2.69–18.70). Obesity also increased arrhythmia odds (OR≈2.79 [1.16–6.71]). ROC AUCs were 0.79 for both HTN (CI 0.74–0.84) and CAD (CI 0.72–0.86). Conclusion: Excess body weight is a major problem directly linked to high blood pressure and serious heart conditions, reflecting a global pattern. Preventing obesity should be a priority to reduce the growing heart disease burden in the region.
Abstract: Method: We examined how body weight affects cardiovascular health in adults aged 30–50 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, by analyzing de-identified records from hospitals (June 2022–March 2025). We calculated body mass index (BMI) and classified patients by WHO Asian criteria: normal (18.5–22.9), overweight (23.0–27.4), and obese (≥27.5 kg/m2)...
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