Incidence And Clinical Profile Of Head And Neck Malignant Tumours In Paediatric Age Group

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the most frequently presenting tumours exclusive to the head and neck within the paediatric population as there has been an overall increase in incidence of paediatric tumour. Methods : We analysed patients presenting to ENT OPD to identify the frequency and incidence rates of various tumours found exclusively in the head and neck, diagnosed between 1998 and 2007 in paediatric patients. It was a retrospective study done with a total of 50 patients .The tumour categories were based on those defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services National Cancer Institute (NCI). Results : A total of 1980 patients were diagnosed with head and neck malignancy out of which 50 patients were in the paediatric age group.The most prevalent head and neck cancers within the paediatric population was Hodgkin's lymphoma followed by nasopharyngeal neoplasms and most common age group was 13-17 years. Conclusions : Hodgkins lymphoma followed by Nasopharyngeal tumours were the most commonly seen head and neck tumours overall among paediatric patients between 1998 and 2007. Most commonly seen seen between 13 to 17 years of age in males.Malignancy should be considered as a differential diagnosis in masses in head and neck region. [Prajapati V Natl J Integr Res Med, 2019; 10(4):31-33]