Pattern of Head and Neck Cancers in Karbala Province of Iraq: Data from Developing Country

Abstract

Background: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) patterns vary worldwide in relation to demographic and environmental factors. Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the pattern of HNCs in Karbala province of Iraq, compare and identify possible changes with other populations.Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out at Al-Hussein Cancer Center in Karbala, Iraq, on 302 patients diagnosed with HNCs between January 2012 and December 2021 with evaluation of age, gender distribution and sites of cancers.Results: Among total 302 patients, median age was 58 years. Males accounted for a higher proportion of patients, (67.55%) were males and (32.45%) were females, with an M:F ratio of 2.08:1. Larynx was the most affected site among our patients contributing (28.48%) followed by nasopharynx (28.14%), lip & oral cavity (14.57%), salivary glands (11.59%), oropharynx (8.28%), paranasal sinuses (5.30%) and hypopharynx (3.64%). The most frequent site of HNCs in males was larynx, while the most frequent site in females was nasopharynx. Conclusion: This is the first statistical study of HNCs in Karbala province of Iraq. It can be used as basic information to investigate epidemiological characteristics, to evaluate progress in recent years and to develop treatment strategies.