An Epidemiological Retrospective Study of Head Neck Cancer in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Introduction: The term “Head and Neck Cancer” (HNC) refers to a group of biologically similar cancers originating from the upper aerodigestive tract, including lip, oral cavity (mouth), nasal cavity, paranasal Sinuses, pharynx and larynx. Most head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), originating from the mucosal lining (epithelium) of these regions. Head and neck cancer is strongly associated with certain environmental and life style risk factors, including tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption. Materials and methods: Patients diagnostic data are collected from N.R.S. hospital, Kolkata and age group are divided into four groups: 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and above 60. Risk factors are also divided into seven categories. The statistical analysis was carried out by SPSSv16.0. Risk estimation and measure of association was calculated in terms of Odds ratio (OR). 95% confidence interval (CI) and subsequent p-value of significance (<0.05) were included as well. Results: This statistical retrospective study indicates that conventional risk factors are the cause of primary head and neck malignancies. However cancer site wise patient numbers and cancer male to female ratio are different among different demographic areas demanding a state wise thorough analysis to get an overall HNC distribution picture of India. Conclutions : Our study concludes that tobacco related products are indeed risk factors.Our age- wise analysis shows patients aged between 40-49 are worst affected by HNC malignancies . Death rate in HNC is highest in aged over 50 which indicate the effect of prolong exposure of tobacco products on death rate.We found higher male to female HNCA ratio than northern india, bihar and north eastern india. However, our retrospective study demands a state wise analysis to get an overall HNCA distribution picture in India.