CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT HEAD AND NECK NEOPLASMS IN A REFERENCE HOSPITAL IN PIRACICABA, SP

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients with malignant Head and Neck neoplasms assisted in a referral hospital in Piracicaba, São Paulo. Material and Methods: During the years 1999 to 2003, we performed a retrospective descriptive study with 40 patients diagnosed with malignant head and neck neoplasms at the Hospital of Sugarcane Suppliers of Piracicaba in São Paulo, checking their epidemiological features, prevalence, location, staging and associated risk factors. Results: Of 40 patients diagnosed, 92.50% were males and 7.50% were females. The age group most affected was between 50 and 70 years (62.50%). The sites most affected by the lesions were tongue and floor of the mouth (55%). In relation to the clinical stage, 62.50% were presented in stage IV. Regarding habits, 65% of patients were smokers and 32.50% ex-smokers; 27.50% were etilists and 65% ex-etilists. The majority of patients had elementary education level and 50% had familial history of cancer. Conclusion: We could observe that the epidemiological analysis attests predilection for males, middle-aged, smokers and ex-etilists, with advanced lesions on the tongue and floor of the mouth, with low scholarship level and familial history as verified in half of the cases. DESCRIPTORS Head and Neck Neoplasms. Risk Factors. Epidemiology.