Oro-facial carcinoma in kaduna

Background To review the epidemiology and morbidity Oro-Facial cancers seen and managed at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH).To estimate the incidence and prevalence of Oro-facial Cancer presenting at the clinic. To highlight the poor prognosis inspite of better facilities for management.To evaluate the various factors affecting the poor prognosis. Patient and Method A 5-years retrospective study of 211 patients with Oro-facial cancers in the maxillo-facial unit of Ahmadu Bello University Kaduna, was carried out. The demographic pattern, clinical features, Histopathological findings and treatments modalities as obtained from the patients’ folder were studied. Result From the 211 Oro-facial cancers studied, Squanmous cell carcinoma accounted for 136 (64%), Adenocystic carcinoma 30 (14%), Adeno carcinoma 11 (5%), metastatic carcinoma 8 (4%), other 26 (13%). House wives, farmers and trader accounted for 152 (71%) of all the patients. 92% (192 patients) presented at very advanced stage of the disease when little or no help can be rendered. The age of presentation ranged between 15 to 84 years with median age at 44.5. There were 135 (64%) males affected and 76 (36%) females with a male to female ratio of 1.8:1. Conclusion : Public enlightenment is necessary to encourage early presentation, since majority of people in this environment has access to radio media.