Aspects Épidémiocliniques et Anatomopathologiques des Cancers des Voies Aérodigestives Supérieures à l’Hôpital Militaire de Région Numéro 2: Epidemioclinical and Anatomopathological Features of Malignancies of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract at the Hôpital Militaire de Région Numéro 2

Abstract

Introduction: Upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers, encompassing malignancies of the respiratory and digestive systems, exhibit significant global epidemiological variability, accounting for 5–8% of cancers in the Americas and ~6% in Africa. Despite their destructive potential, data from Cameroon remain sparse. This study characterizes the epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological profiles of UADT cancers in a Cameroonian tertiary care setting.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the ENT Department of Douala Military Regional Hospital No. 2 (HMR2), a national reference center, from January 2018 to March 2024. Data on demographics, risk factors, tumor localization, and histology were analyzed for all confirmed UADT cancer cases.

Key Results:

• Prevalence: 55 UADT cancers identified, representing 82.1% of ENT malignancies (hospital prevalence: 0.54%).


• Demographics: Mean age 53 ± 14.5 years; male predominance (sex ratio 1.89:1).


• Risk Factors:
  
  
  
  • Alcohol abuse: 87.3% of cases
  
  
  • Tobacco use: 40.0%
  
  
  
  


• Tumor Localization:
  
  
  
  • Pharyngeal primaries: 34.8% (nasopharynx: 57.9% of pharyngeal cases)
  
  
  • Nasosinus cavities: 25.5%
  
  
  
  


• Histopathology: Carcinomas: 85.5% (squamous cell carcinoma: 83.0%)

Conclusion: UADT cancers in Cameroon predominantly affect middle-aged males with high alcohol/tobacco exposure. The pharynx, particularly the nasopharynx, is the most frequent site, with squamous cell carcinoma as the dominant histotype. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention programs addressing modifiable risk factors and improving early detection in resource-limited settings.