Abstract:
Background: Cancers are the leading cause of death in economically developed countries and
the second leading cause of death in developing countries including Ethiopia. Despite an increase
in medical knowledge, the treatment need of head and neck cancers (HNCs) have not been
improved in Ethiopia. In addition, there is no adequate published evidence on epidemiology of
oral and maxillofacial malignancy in the country.
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and patterns of primary
orofacial cancer among patients seen at Jimma university medical center.
Methods: All patient records (201) of primary head and neck malignancy, from September 11,
2018 to September 10, 2023, were retrieved from the patient registry. Reports with doubtful
diagnosis, skin cancers, and eye tumors were excluded. Finally, 194 eligible patients’ data were
collected and analyzed using the Statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version
23.0. Frequencies, percentages, cross tabulation of different variables were determined. A p
value ≤ 0.05 was used as the cut-off level for statistical significance.
Result and Discussion: The prevalence of primary oral and maxillofacial malignancy was 2.6%
among total patients seen at maxillofacial unit of Jimma medical center. The mean age of all
patients was 41.81 years (SD± 15.911, range: 10 to 73 years). The overall male to female ratio
was 2.46:1. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most common specific histological type
followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) making up 59.5% and 16% of cases
respectively. Oral tongue was the most frequently involved oral subsite (27.4%). Predisposing
factors was identified in 92 (47.4%) patients. Majority of the patients (74.8%) were diagnosed at
late stage (III & IV). Surgery was the main mode of treatment used in 148 (76.3%) cases.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Majority of primary malignant lesions of oral and
maxillofacial region (OMFR) occurred in males and older adult age groups. Creating awareness
and providing health education about orofacial cancers are helpful in prevention and early
detection at curable stage of the disease.
