[Cancer of the nasopharynx in Morocco: epidemiological approach]

Between 1 April 1980 and 30 Septembre 1983, 412 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were seen at the Bergonié Cancer Centre in Casablanca (the sole centre in the country), representing 4.76% of all malignant tumours diagnosed in that period. This percentage is low, since the majority of these tumours are not diagnosed outside the big towns but indicates that Morocco is an area of moderate incidence for this cancer. We have studied the epidemiological aspects of our series; there is a predominance of males (sex ratio, 2.25: M:F); the average age is 43 years with a large proportion of young people (24.6% are less than 30 years old). A high incidence is observed in the north of the country, where, however, more medical facilities are available. Advanced tumours are common: 15% cannot be treated; 32.5% are in stage T4, and 70% have metastatic cervical nodes. Pathologically, 90% are undifferentiated carcinomas of the nasopharyngeal type. The results of the immunological study do not exclude a viral (Epstein-Barr virus) contribution. Prospective epidemiological studies are needed to elucidate the exact profile of this cancer in our country.