HEAD AND NECK-CANCER IN A REFERRAL CENTER IN ASIR REGION

This study looks at the incidence of head and neck cancer in the Southwest Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Asir Region). There were a total of 204 newly diagnosed patients seen at Asir Central Hospital between 1987 and 1992; 113 males and 91 females. All were Saudi patients. Frequency at various sites with reference to sex and age was determined and comparison with local and international published reports was made. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper in the Kingdom to look at head and neck cancer as a distinct entity. In this study, skin cancer was the most common among males followed by oral and pharyngeal cancers. Among females, thyroid cancer was the most common followed by skin and oral cancers. Some preventive measures are discussed.