Laryngeal Tumours in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A 9 Years Retrospective Study

Background: Tumors of the larynx can be benign or malignant and affect both males and female. The presence of a lesion in the larynx can be detected early. However, most patients present late with the hope the symptoms are as a result of an upper respiratory tract infection which will clear in due time. The late presentation of patients results in more challenges in their management.

Aim: The aim of this study is to review the pattern of laryngeal tumors seen in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Method: This is a 9 years retrospective review of medical records from July 2009 to August 2018 who were managed for laryngeal tumors in the Ear, Nose and Throat Department of University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Information retrieved includes biodata, occupation, exposure to tobacco and alcohol, presenting complaints, management and histological findings. Data was analyzed using statistical products and service solutions (SPSS) version 20.

Results: There were 25 patients reviewed during this time accounting for 18 males (72%) and 7 females (28%). The age ranged between 29 to 52 years. The most common presenting symptom was hoarseness, followed by difficulty in breathing then dysphagia. All the patients under review had tracheostomy done for relieve of upper airway obstruction. A direct laryngoscopy and biopsy was done. Histologic variants derived include; 16 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (64%), 6 cases of adenocystic carcinoma (24%) and 3 cases of papilloma (12%) . Two cases of laryngeal papilloma were weaned off tracheostomy following excisional biopsy of the lesion and confirmatory histology report. A total of 5 laryngectomies were done, patients with advanced cases were referred to other centers for radiotherapy and chemotherapy while a few declined medical advice and others were lost to follow up.

Conclusion: There are more males than females with laryngeal tumors in this study. Majority of these tumors are malignant. Early presentation will result in better management options and thus there is need for health education.