Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma is the commonest head and neck malignancy which accounts for approximately 20% of the cancer burden in Asian countries. Frequencies and incidence rates of site specific head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have been reported regularly in different studies from various parts of the country. Methods: It was a descriptive study including 84 biopsy proven cases of squamous cell carcinoma from head and neck region reported to ENT unit-1 Allied Hospital Faisalabad by Pathology lab during January 2014 and December 2015. Data was acquired from hospital and pathology lab and analysed using SPSS version 18. Inclusion Criteria: Primary cases, mucosal disease. Exclusion criteria: congenital tumors, children, mentally retarded. Objective: The objective of the study was to identify the sites of cancer in head and neck along with their risk factors so that community education may be performed for better prevention of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Results: Mean age of the patients was 53.71±14.3 (median: 55) years. Mean age of females was 51±13.28 (median: 50) years. Mean age of male patients was 56±15.1 (median: 55) years. 53% of patients belonged to rural areas (n=53). 37% (n=31) of patients came from urban areas. The commonest risk factor was smoking. The commonest site was hypo-pharynx. Conclusions: head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has a peak age incidence in 5^th decade. Males and females are equally affected. Smoking is the commonest risk factor in Faisalabad. Most of the patients have moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Hypo-pharynx is the commonest site involved.