World J Oral Maxillofac Surg | Volume 2, Issue 3 | Research Article | Open Access

Synopsis of Inoperable Lesion of the Head and Neck in a Developing World: Our Experience

Nwosu JN1 , Chukwuneke FN2 *, Akpeh JO1 and Ogbozor BC2

1Department of ENT, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nigeria 2Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

*Correspondance to: Chukwuneke FN 

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Abstract

Background: The difficulties in the surgical management of cancer of the head and neck region when they present late cannot be underestimated. In Nigeria, as it’s often the case with most developing countries, a vicious chain reaction of poverty, superstition, ignorance, poor health-seeking behavior and limited options of treatment result in patients default for late presentation. This paper identifies and brings into focus the reasons for late presentation of orofacial cancers in Nigeria. Methods: The case notes of eight-nine patients with inoperable head and neck lesions diagnosed as cancer in three specialist centers between January 2005 and December 2016 were retrieved and analyzed. Data collected include socio-demographic data, diagnosis, time-interval before presentation, reasons for late presentation and treatment outcome. Results: A male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1 was obtained. Out of the 89 patients, the most occurring lesion was squamous cell carcinoma (n=48; 54%). All presented at the late stage of the lesion. The major reasons for late presentation were poverty (n=38; 42.7%), ignorance of the disease (n=15; 16.9%), non-availability of medical personnel and treatment by quacks (n=17; 19.1%), preference for unorthodox treatment (n=12; 13.4%) and family decisions (n=7; 7.9%). None of the patient survived. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for awareness campaign and programmes for early detection of head and neck cancer and provision of hospitals with modern facilities for adequate and effective treatment. The need also exists for professional interactions and exchange programmes among surgeons across the world to assist the poorer countries in the management of these advanced tumour cases.

Citation:

Nwosu JN, Chukwuneke FN, Akpeh JO, Ogbozor BC. Synopsis of Inoperable Lesion of the Head and Neck in a Developing World: Our Experience. World J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019; 2(3): 1028.

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