Patterns of Primary Oral and Maxillofacial Malignancy At Jimma Medical Center: A Cross-Sectional Study From 2018 To 2023

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.