Clinicopathologic characterization of nasopharyngeal carcinoma seen in the radiotherapy and oncology department, ahmadu bello university teaching hospital, Zaria, Nigeria: 2006-2010

Aims and Objective: To evaluate the clinical and pathological characteristics of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients seen in the Radiotherapy and Oncology department, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2010, 45 patients with histologically confirmed NPC were seen and evaluated irrespective of age, co-morbidity and performance status. Patients' folders were reviewed retrospectively with a structured pro forma. Data were analyzed using Epi Info software and results presented in simple tables. Results: A total of 45 patients had NPC accounting for 2%. The mean age was 42 years (range 15-75 years). The sex ratio was M:F = 2.2:1. 21 of the patients were from North-West geopolitical zone. Hausa-Fulani was the predominant ethnic group in 23 patients. At presentation, 41 had neck mass followed by nasal blockage in 34, cranial nerve deficits in 27 and epistaxis in 25 (55.6%) patients. The commonest cranial nerves affected were vestibulocochlear 17, followed by glossopharyngeal 14. Only 14 patients presented within 12 months of onset of symptoms with a range of 3-60 months. The commonest histologic type seen was WHO-2 (Non-keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma) in 28 patients. Locally advanced disease (IVA and IVB) seen in 25 patients and metastatic disease (IVC) seen in 13 patients. The site of metastases was the bones seen in 6 patients followed by lungs in 5 patients. Only 2 patients were positive for HIV antibodies. 38 patients were treated with chemotherapy and 18 received radiation therapy. Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal cancer is commoner in males. Neck mass with nasal and auditory symptoms were the commonest symptoms. More than half of the patients had cranial nerve deficits at presentation. WHO-2 is the commonest histology and locally advanced and metastatic disease is the commonest stage at presentation.