Epidemiology of Pancreatic Head Cancer at Zinder National Hospital (HNZ)

Introduction: Pancreatic head cancer is increasing in incidence and remains characterized by late diagnosis, responsible for high mortality. Objective: To describe the epidemiological aspects and prognosis of pancreatic head cancer in a context of limited technical resources at Zinder National Hospital (HNZ) in Niger Republic. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection from June 01, 2020, to May 30, 2024, covering cases of pancreatic head cancer followed up in the hepato-gastroenterology (HGE), digestive surgery and medical oncology departments of Zinder National Hospital (HNZ). Results: Of 432 digestive cancers identified, 57 involved the pancreas (13.2%), including 46 located in the head (80.7%). The mean age was 56.3 ± 15.1 years (extremes: 20-83 years), with a male predominance (sex ratio: 2.28). The average consultation time was 7.9 months. The main complaints were jaundice (95.7%) and abdominal pain (76.1%). On examination, a large palpable gallbladder was found in 65.2% of cases, and hepatomegaly in 51.1%. Visceral metastases were present in 66.7% of patients. All received palliative care, and bypass surgery was performed in 45.7% of cases. Survival rates at 3, 6 and 12 months were 19.6%, 4.3% and 0% respectively. Mean survival was 2.6 months. Conclusion: Pancreatic head cancer is increasingly common in Zinder. Diagnosis remains late, limiting the possibilities of curative treatment and clouding the prognosis, with a very poor mean survival in our series