Publication:

Epidemiology of head and neck cancer in a tertiary care hospital

Background Head and neck cancer is a deadly disease that has emerged as major health problem. It constitutes one of the commonest cancers in India. Use of smokeless tobacco (pan masala, zarda etc.,) is on the increase in North India and is responsible for the majority of these tumours. The aim of this study is to evaluate demographic profile of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck cancer and to assess the most common sub-site involved among these patients.

Methods Histologically confirmed patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck were included in study. Retrospective study from 1st January 2011-31st December 2015 was conducted. Records from OPD based register of ENT Department of Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital was used. Data was statistically analyzed.

Results Among 1,052 patients, 74.4% were males and 25.6% were females. The male to female ratio was found out to be 3:1. Tongue was the most common sub-site involved whereas the retromolar trigone was least common site involved.

Conclusions The squamous cell carcinomas are the most common head and neck cancer. The carcinomas develop in the upper aero digestive tract after exposure to various carcinogens.