Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) 5 year study at BSMMU

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) are generally similar in their clinical features, epidemiology and etiology although their natural and clinical history and treatment differ. Despite lot of improvement in diagnostic and management technique, there is little improvement in survival rate over the last few decades. This study was carried-out in a multidisciplinary tertiary level hospital (BSMMU), with a country-wide catchment area to see the burden of HNSCC existing in our country and their clinical pattern. The overall incidence rate of HNSCC in this study was (0.15%) i.e. 150 person in 1,00,000 population. Male incidence (0.19%) was higher than female (0.12%). This study revealed that carcinoma of the larynx (25.22%) and pyriform fossae (20.57%) were the main culprit, whereas buccal carcinoma was the main component (37.70%) in the female series. Highest incidence was found in the 6th decade in both sexes. As the treatment of HNSCC may be time consuming, requires multidisciplinary approach, demands lot of clinical, social and financial consideration, therefore, the best treatment can be offered through a combined board consisting of Surgical, Radiation, Medical oncologists, Histopathologist and Speech therapist as required.