Pattern of head and neck tumors in a tertiary hospital in south-west Nigeria: An eight year review

Background: Head and neck tumors are uncommon but are not as rare as early studies suggest. Recent studies have indicated a higher incidence. Objective: To document the pattern and trend of head and neck tumors diagnosed at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, South-West Nigeria in an eight year period (2005 – 2012). Methods: The medical records of patients with head and neck tumors over an 8-year period (2005-2012) were analyzed. Results: Of the one hundred and ninety seven (197) cases reviewed, 92 were males and 105 were females. 135 cases (68.5%) were benign while 62 cases (31.5%) were malignant. The neck was found to be the commonest site for head and neck tumors accounting for 52 cases (26.4%) followed by sinonasal 48 cases (24.4%), salivary gland 30 cases (15.2%). Others are Oral cavity tumors and laryngeal tumors 24 cases (12.2%) respectively. Of the 62 malignant tumors, 37 were male while 25 were female with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. The sinonasal area was the most common site for malignancy (30.2%) followed by the larynx (17.5%), the oropharynx (16.1%), the nasopharynx (9.7%) and salivary glands (9.7 %). The others are thyroid (6.5%), mouth (4.8%) and esophagus (4.8%). Conclusion: The study shows that goiter is the most common benign tumor while sinonasal cancer formed the most common group of head and neck malignancy while laryngeal and pharyngeal malignancy are the 2nd and 3rd most common in South-western Nigeria.