Nasopharyngeal cancer in North--Eastern Nigeria: clinical trends.

BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal cancer is the malignancy of the posterior aspect of the nose called Nasopharynx. It is one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose at an early stage. AIM To determine prevalence, clinical trends and histopathological types of Nasopharyngeal cancer in Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria. PATIENTS AND METHOD Fifteen year retrospective evaluation of patient's case notes and cancer registry records of 40 patients with histologically confirmed nasopharyngeal cancer between 1991-2005. RESULTS Nasopharyngeal cancers constituted 35.1% of all malignancies of ear, nose, throat during the study period. The M:F was 2.1-1, the mean age was 39(+/- 16.5) years and a peak age group and its occurrence of 40-49 years. The commonest symptom at presentation were cervical lymphadenopathy (72.5%), rhinorrhoea (55%), epistaxis(45%). The commonest histological type was squamous cell carcinoma(92.5%). Patients who received chemotherapy in addition to radiotherapy and higher symptom free period. CONCLUSION Cancer is a difficult disease to diagnose at an stage. A meticulous ear, nose and throat examination and thorough evaluation of nasal symptoms with associated cervical lymphadenopathy may lead to an early diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer's.