Characteristics of Nasopharyngeal Cancer in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) has been reported by scholars as the most lethal and emotionally traumatic malignancy globally, with the outlook even poorer in African Natives from late presentation. We therefore sought to study the characteristics of NPCs in our environment.
Method: We retrospectively evaluated all histo-pathologically confirmed cases of NPC managed between May 1, 2009-April 30, 2017 from retrieved case files using the ICD-10 version 10 standard codes at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Results: Thirty cases, accounting for 0.2% of new Ear, Nose and Throat(ENT) outpatients were analysed. This represents the  commonest Head & Neck Cancer and the 3rd general body squamous cancer with 9.3%. Age range was 18years-69years rd th with a bimodal distribution at the 3 and 7 decades of life. Alcohol consumption/Cigarette smoking was recorded in 73.3% with a maximum pack years of 31.5years. Predominant feature was neck masses in 66.7% where 65.0% had nodes>6cm, 76.7% had T4 tumours and 56.7% anaemia while 76.7% presented late. The WHO type III predominated with 60.0%. Definitive therapy was administered in 16.7% with a
dismal follow-up visit as 70.0% never returned. Mortality was difficult to ascertain as all were referred.
Conclusion: NPC remains infrequent in Africa with WHO type III the predominant form. It is associated with late presentation, advanced disease, inadequate cancer care infrastructure and poor access to chemo-radiation. Early detection strategy using EBV biomarkers is a priority to prevent the misery associated with NPC.

Key Words; Nasopharyngeal cancer, Characteristics, advanced disease, late presentation