Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is strongly linked to cigarette smoking. It is estimated to account for more than 70% of laryngeal SCCs and up to 89% in combination with alcohol. We wished to determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking and alcohol ingestion among patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and estimate risk attributed to cigarette smoking and alcohol ingestion. Fifty experimental group patients and fifty controls were recruited of matching age, sex and region of residence. History of smoking and alcohol intake was taken and analyzed to estimate the relative strengths of these exposures. Cessation of smoking was associated with reduced risk of SCC. Smokers had increased risk compared to controls. Those who smoked only had a higher glottic cancer risk. Those who smoked and drank alcohol had a higher supraglottic cancer risk. Being a current smoker and long duration of smoking were independent risk factors of laryngeal SCC.
Background. Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is a common head and neck cancer worldwide. Objective. To determine the demographic characteristics of patients with laryngeal cancer, establish their tumor characteristics and relate it to their smoking and alcohol ingestion habits.
Methods. Fifty cases and fifty controls were recruited of matching age, sex, and region of residence. History and pattern of cigarette smoking and alcohol ingestion was taken and analyzed.
Results. 33 (66%) of the cases and 3 (6%) among controls were current cigarette smokers. 74% had smoked for more than 30 years, P < 0.0001 OR 21.3 (95% CI: 2.6–176.1). There was a male predominance (96%) and most cases (62%) were from the ethnic communities in the highland areas of Kenya predominantly in Central and Eastern provinces. Very heavy drinkers had increased risk of P < 0.0001 OR, 6.0 (95% CI: 1.957–18.398) and those who smoked cigarettes and drank alcohol had poorly differentiated tumors G3, P < 0.001, OR 11.652 (95% CI 2.305–58.895), and G4, P=0.52 OR 7.286 (95% CI 0.726–73.075). They also presented with advanced disease (73.6%).
Conclusion. Cigarette smoking and alcohol ingestion are strong risk factors for development of late stage and poorly differentiated laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in Kenya.
This survey demonstrates the potential value of a collaborative course in advanced head and neck surgery as one useful model for increasing the number of well-trained head and neck surgeons in East Africa.
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