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Malignant Neoplasms Of The Ear, Nose And Throat In North Eastern Nigeria


BM Ahmad
UH Pindiga

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of Ear,Nose and Throat (ENT) malgnancies in north eastern Nigeria.

Method: A retrospective study of 77 patients with histological diagnosed malignant neoplasm of the ENT seen at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) over 12 years period (1990-2001).

Results: ENT cancers constituted 4.3% of all cancers in the study period. The peak incidence was between 3rd and 4th decade with male preponderance. The commonest site involved was the nasopharynx constituting 46.8% and the least affected site was the Ear in 2.7% patients. Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 83.1% of all histologic types being the commonest. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were seen in 6.5% of patients. Malignant midline reticulosis and melanoma were seen in 3.9% of patients each.

Conclusion: Cancers of the ENT were thought to be rare in this part of the country compared with other partts of the world. The few cases seen in this study are the tip of the Iceberg. The apperent low figure in this region could be due to high cost of hospitalization, distant location of health facilities and absence of radiotherapy unit in our centre.

Key words: ENT cancers, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, malignant midline reticulosis, and north eastern Nigeria.

Highland Medical Research Journal Vol.2(1) 2004: 45-48

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eISSN: 1596-2407