Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026

A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: January 5, 2017
Acanthosis nigricans in the head and neck region
James A Fasunla1, Gbolagunte T Ijaduola1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Background:
The sudden appearance of acanthosis nigricans on the skin of an individual is highly suggestive of an underlying clinical disease. However, there is no information on its possible association with head and neck disease in our environment.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of acanthosis nigricans and identifying the underlying associated medical and oncologic factor in an Otorhinolaryngologic, head and neck practice.
Method:
This was a 12-month prospective study of patients seen at Otorhinolaryngology department of University College Hospital, Ibadan. Relevant clinical, anthropometric and biochemical information were obtained with an interviewer assisted questionnaire and data analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results:
Of 764 patients, 85(11.13%) had head and neck malignancies, 15(1.96%) had diabetes mellitus in addition to the Otorhinolaryngologic, head and neck diseases. The body mass index values for male and female ranged from 18.26 - 25.68kg/m(2) and 17.94 - 30.25kg/m(2) respectively. Only two patients, one with nasopharyngeal cancer and the other with obesity in addition to chronic rhinosinusitis had acanthosis nigricans.
Conclusion:
Acanthosis nigricans is not common among Otorhinolaryngologic patients in our clinical setting with a prevalence of 0.003. Nevertheless, its presence should herald the suspicion of an underlying metabolic or oncologic disease.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...

