Pattern of head and neck cancer in a tertiary institution in Lagos, Nigeria.

Abstract

Cancer of the head and neck cancer in Nigeria with a population of over 167 million is a major health problem because of its high incidence and the limited infrastructure necessary for treatment. This study aims to examine the presentation and management of this disease in Nigeria. This is a retrospective study among head and neck cancer patients with histology of Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. A total of 162 cases were analysed, which revealed about 23 cases annually, prevalence rate of 6.74% and a mean age of 49.50±19.73years. The peak age range was 4 th-5 th decade (40.2%). There were 102(63%) male and 60(37%) female with a M:F of 1.7:1. The commonest histological type was squamous cell carcinoma (75.2%). The commonest site was the nasopharynx 22(13.6%). Only 67 cases had stage of disease recorded, 54(80.6%) were stages III & IV. Survival outcome revealed that 23(14.2%) died, 16(9.9%) were still on followup and 123(75.9%) were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Increased populace awareness programs emphasizing the preventable factors associated with this cancer and change in life style will decrease morbidity and mortality associated with late stage presentation.