Demographic pattern and clinical characteristics of nasopharyngeal carcinoma seen in Kenyatta national hospital

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the demographic pattern of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with respect to age, sex, geographical distribution (of patients).The study also determined prevalent signs & symptoms, duration of symptoms before presentation, neck disease and stage of presentation. Setting: This was across-sectional descriptive study Methodology: A designed proforma was used to fill in symptoms (as complained by patients) and signs as observed on examination. The s" edition VICC (1997) classification guidelines were used to stage the disease. Results were presented by use of tables, bar diagrams, and pie charts. 125 patients were included in the study. Age range was 13 to 85 years. The highest frequencies were seen in age ranges 31-40 years (22.4%), 41-50years(20.8%) and 51-60 years (20%). Male: Female ratio was 2.2: 1 38.4% patients were from Mt. Kenya/Central region. 80% and 71.2% of patients complained of neck swelling and nasal blockage respectively. Auditory symptoms were mainly unilateral. 88% of patients were seen to have cervical lymphadenopathy. CHL was noted in 36% of patients. 83% of patients presented in late disease (stages III & IV).