The Head and Neck Tumours in Benin-City, Nigeria: Any Correlation with Risk Factors?

Abstract

Objective:The objective of this study was to examine the clinical presentations of the head and neck tumours (HNTs) in Benin-City, Nigeria and to assess if any correlations exist with the known risk factors.

Methods: This study was a prospective clinical study involving all consecutive and consenting patients presenting with symptoms and signs suggestive of head and neck cancers to the Department of Ear Nose Throat Head and Neck Surgery, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin-City, Nigeria. The study was done between January 2012 and December 2016. Data for the study were obtained by clerkship, physical examination, radiological examination and histological assessment.

Results: Age distribution of the patients revealed a rise in head and neck tumours from the 4th decade, to a peak in the 6th decade. Thereafter a decline through the 7th, 8th and 9th decades. Gender distribution of the patients showed that more males (78, 70.0%) are involved than the females (33, 30.0%). Alcohol intake and smoking were the most common identified risk factors to developing HNTs. The least implicated in this study were asbestos, heavy metals and family history. Smoking appeared to be a predictor of the HNTs (t, -2.902; sig, 0.005). The most common histologic diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma accounting for 71.2% of all the cases; with more than half of these described as well differentiated.

Conclusion: HNTs are related with risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and exposures to hydrocarbons; though with low reportage. The authors expressed the opinion that increased national reportage and creating awareness of the risk factors will go a long way to minimize incidence and therefore suggest equipping of regional cancer centers and appropriate h a view to reducing the burden of cancers in Nigeria.