On the occurrence of post nasal space tumours in Kenya

Abstract

Ninety-seven cases of post nasal space tumours from King George VI Hospital, Nairobi, among Africans in Kenya are reviewed with regard to duration of illness, symptoms, X-ray findings and pathology. As measured by cases known from the cancer registries and hospitals the incidence of these tumours is the same in Kenya, Uganda and Johannesburg. Only the Nandi tribe is found to have a high annual incidence, 1-43, in comparison with other tribes. The geographical distribution is shown. The aetiology is discussed, and snuff is suggested as a possible agent which is considered worth investigating in the future. In consequence of the limited number of cases, as well as of the difficulties in collecting material under African conditions, the results presented should be treated with the same caution as other studies from these regions. © 1964, The British Empire Cancer Campaign for Research. All rights reserved.