Histopathologic Patterns of Malignant Tumours of the Oropharynx of the Jos University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Malignant tumours of the oropharynx are usually insidious and potentially life threatening. With increased association with risk factors in our environment, its incidence is gradually increasing. This study aim to describe the histopathologic patterns of malignant Oropharygeal tumours as seen in our institution. This is a descriptive retrospective study of all histhologically diagnosed malignant orpharyngeal tumours gotten from the Histopathology Department of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (J.U.T.H.), Jos within the period of study (January 2000 to December 2010). 62 oropharyngeal surgical biopsies were analysed out of which 22 were malignant lesions. Out of the 62 oropharygeal surgical biopsies, 22 (35.5%) were malignant; Males were commonest with 72.7% and females 27.3%. Age range was between 30 to 49 years and highest frequency in age range 50 to 59 years. Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for the highest histologic type (63.6%). Followed by non Hogkins lymphomas (22.7%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (1.6%), respectively. Commonest histologic pattern is the squamous cell carcinoma (well differentiated). It is said to have a good prognosis thus early detection should be encouraged to reduce mobidity and mortality. Avoidance of risk factors should also be emphasized.