Risk factors of breast cancer among patients in a tertiary care hospitals in Afghanistan: A case control study

Background: Breast cancer is the second most common causes of women\u27s death, worldwide. Data on risk factors associated with female breast cancer in the Afghan population is very limited. The aim of our study was to identifying risk factor associated with female breast cancer in Afghanistan.Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted with inclusion of 201 cases and 201 controls. Patient information was collected by interviewing the patient through a structured questionnaire. Histopathological information was collected from the hospital integrated laboratory management system. The data was analyzed by using logistic regression with univariate and multivariable analyses to determine the association between breast cancer and predictors.Results: The results of the current study showed that factors such as: age (OR = 1.02; 95%CI: 0.99-1.04; p-0.148); age at menarche (OR = 0.83; 95%CI: 0.72-0.92; p-0.008); age at first baby (OR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.07-1.20; p- \u3c 0.001); illiteracy (OR = 1.93; 95%CI: 1.16-3.22; p-0.011); smoking (OR = 2.01; 95%CI: 1.01-3.99; p-0.04) and family history of cancer (OR = 1.98; 95%CI: 1.18-3.32; p-0.009) were significantly associated with breast cancer. However, our study did not demonstrate any statistically significant correlation between breast cancer and some of the predictors that were previously highlighted in literature, such as: marital status, Body Mass Index (BMI), use of hormonal contraceptive, breastfeeding and exercise.Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that age at menarche, and age at first baby birth, illiteracy, smoking and family history of cancer were significant risk factors associated with development of breast cancer among women in Afghanistan. Health education of women regarding aforementioned predisposing factors are therefore, expected to be valuable in decreasing the burden of breast cancer with reduction of its burden on the healthcare system in Afghanistan

Recurrent spinal hydatidosis causing Gibbus deformity: Report of a rare case

Hydatid disease is caused by the larvae of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus and, less commonly, Echinococcus multilocularis in the endemic regions. A hydatid cyst of Echinococcus granulosus commonly develops in the liver and lungs of the affected individual and rarely occurs in the brain, bones, and heart. The spinal hydatidosis comprises 50% of the cases affecting the bones, which usually leads to severe morbidities. We present a case of a 52-year-old Afghan woman presented to the hospital with Gibbus deformity, complaining of lower back pain and flaccid paraplegia for one year. Findings of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the lumbosacral spine were suggestive of a hydatid cyst involving the vertebrae with extension to the paravertebral soft tissue, leading to acute kyphosis, severe canal stenosis, and cord compression. Treatment included complete cyst removal. The diagnosis was confirmed by gross and microscopic evaluation of the cyst contents. The patient was discharged after significant pain relief and deformity correction. Vertebral hydatidosis is notorious for its recurrence despite vigorous surgical and medical treatment. The hydatid cyst grows rapidly and can cause irreversible damage to the spinal cord in neglected cases. Currently, the best treatment approach is complete surgical removal of the cyst, irrigation with a scolicidal agent, and postoperative follow-up with a long-term course of albendazole. Spinal hydatidosis is a rare, severe disease with significant morbidity. Despite significant scientific advances in understanding of disease pathogenesis, the parasite’s predilection for the spine and the influence of host-specific factors on anatomical manifestations remain a mystery

Primary hydatid cyst of the urinary bladder with associated eosinophilic cystitis: Report of a unique case

Hydatid cyst of Echinococcus granulosus usually develops in liver and lungs of the affected individual and is considered a common health problem in endemic regions. Although, the cyst can be found in less common locations, such as brain, heart, and bones, the urinary bladder is extremely rare that may mimic malignancy radiologically and creates a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians and radiologists. Here we present a unique case of hydatid cyst in the urinary bladder with associated eosinophilic cystitis