Histo-Epidemiological Profile of Head and Neck Cancers in Benin

Abstract

Background: The collection of data on cancers is essential to assess their importance in a population and plan control strategies. In Benin as in many sub-Saharan Africa countries, cancer data are often not well informed. Purpose: To study the epidemiological and anatomopathological profiles of head and neck cancers. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of head and neck cancers in Benin from January 2009 to 31 December 2014. These tumours were collected in the registers of the 5 anatomy-pathological laboratories in Benin as well as in that of the only hospital in the country that sends its requests for histological examination abroad. Results: During the period, 611 cases of head and neck tumour were reported, including 298 malignant cases, or 48.8%. The average age was 45.3 ± 18.7 years (extremes: 1 year and 91 years) with a maximum of cases between 50 and 60 years (19.1%). The sex ratio was 1.2. The cancers occurred mainly in the pharynx (27.9%), the oral cavity (19.8%), the nose, sinuses and jaws (18.1%), the thyroid (12.8%), the salivary glands (8.7%) and the larynx (8.4%). They were of epithelial origin in 79.5% of cases, mainly squamous cell carcinomas (50.3%) and lymphomas in 12.8% of cases. Conclusion: Head and neck cancer is preventable. A special place should be given to the fight against cancer in Benin. Strategies to prevent and manage these cancers cannot be put in place without accurate data collection.