Malignant squamous cells: A panoramic view

Abstract

Background: The squamous epithelium is the most widely distributed epithelium in the human body. Malignant transformation does occur in these cells leading to squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer can arise in a site native to the epithelium or where squamous metaplasia has occurred. This malignancy therefore has been repo rted invarious parts of the body.

Method: This was a retrospective case series study of all squamous cell carcinomas seen at the Histopathology Department of the Jos University Teaching Hospital between January 2008 and December 2014.

Result: Three hundred and twenty two (322) squamous cell carcinomas were seen during this period. The distribution of cases at various sites is as follows: cervix, 198 (61.5%); skin, 65 (20.2%); orbito-ocular region, 27 (8.4%); oesophagus, 14 (4.3%); bladder, 8 (2.5%); nasopharynx, 5 (1.6%); and larynx, 5 (1.6%). There were 265 (82.3%) cases of squamous cell carcinomas in females and 57 (17.7%) in males. The age range at diagnosis of all cases of the tumour was 1 6 - 8 5  years and the meanage was 50 . 1 years .

Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinomas in Jos are commonly seen in the cervix. This finding mirrors the high ranking of cervical cancer in general as the second  commonest malignant neoplasm in women in our locality. Understandably therefore more women were seen with this malignancy as cervical cancer is a female disease. We recommend an aggressive approach towards stemming the tide of this preventable cancer.

Key words: Squamous, cell, carcinoma, panoramic view.