Primary oto-rhino-laryngological cancers: Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects about 231 cases in Senegal

Objective: establish the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of primary cancers of the oto-rhino-laryngological (ENT) sphere in a reference oncology service in Senegal.
Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study, conducted at the Joliot Curie Institute of Aristide le Dantec hospital over a 30 months period from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022.
Results: 231 ENT cancers were collected in our study, with a mean age of 51 years [11; 93]. Females predominated with a sex ratio of 0.88.  Alcoholism was noted in 15.1% of cases. Smoking was noted in 23.8%. Alcohol smoking predominated in laryngeal cancer. The oral cavity was the most frequent site (44.6%). The histological nature of the cancers was dominated by squamous cell carcinoma (93.5%). Stages III and IV were in the majority: 62.8% and 23.8% of cases respectively. Neoadjuvant surgery was performed in 11.9% of cases. Chemotherapy was used in 65.1% of cases (including 90.2% for induction). Radiotherapy was used in 42.9% of cases and associated with chemotherapy in 90.7% of cases.
Conclusion: ENT cancers are common in Senegal and diagnosed at all ages. Females predominate. The most common cancers are those of the oral cavity. They are discovered at a locally advanced stage and are treated with induction chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy.