Head and Neck Lymphomas in Jos University Teaching Hospital Nigeria: A Five Year Review

Abstract

<i>Introduction</i>: Lymphomas are heterogeneous group of lymphoid tissues traditionally categorized as either Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) or Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). The head and neck region is rich in lymphoid tissues, thus a fertile anatomic site for the development of lymphoid proliferative diseases like lymphomas. In the head and neck, malignant lymphomas account for 5% of all malignant neoplasm; Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) is the most common accounting for 75%. The clinical behaviour and manifestations of Lymphomas in the head and neck lack specific characteristics that would enable attribution to a specific lymphoma entity without biopsy and histological evidence. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: It is a 5 year retrospective study of confirmed histopathological analysis of head and neck lymphomas from 1^st January 2017 to31^st December 2021. Case notes of all histopathologically confirmed head and neck lymphomas were retrieved from the medical records department and also theatre records as supportive data were analysed for age, sex, histological diagnosis, tumour site, duration of symptoms before presentation and treatment modality; and then discussed. <i>Results</i>:-The total number of patients seen during the period under review was 1678, 16 patients had histopathologically confirmed lymphomas out of 388 patients with head and neck tumours, thus prevalence of 0.1% and 4.1% of all head and neck tumours. Male to Female ratio of 5:1, age range of 4 to 62 years, mean age of 29 years. Most common tumour site is the cervical region-315; the most frequently seen histological type is the Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and the most common duration of symptom before presentation is over 1 year-50%. All patients had chemotherapy as a treatment modality. <i>Conclusion</i>: This study reveals the management challenges of the head and neck lymphomas are due to late presentation, financial constraints and ignorance. Health awareness and adequate Health Insurance Policy are needed to cope or mitigate these problems.