AN AUDIT OF NECK BIOPSIES DIAGNOSED AT THE ORAL PATHOLOGY DEPARTMENTAL LABORATORY OF A TERTIARY CENTER

Abstract

Clinicians are trained to approach diagnosis of neck pathologies through an organized and efficient diagnostic method. This is however impossible without adequate knowledge of the differentials of neck pathologies, their frequencies and socio-demographic characteristics. This study aims to determine the range and analyze the socio-demographics of neck pathologies seen at the Oral Pathology laboratory of the Lagos State University College of Medicine.

METHODOLOGY

This is a retrospective study conducted at the Oral Pathology laboratory of the department of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine, over a period of five years and six months (January 2013 to June 2019). Information regarding the type, frequency, age, gender and site distribution of neck pathology were retrieved from the archival records of the Oral Pathology laboratory. Lesions were grouped into 6 categories, namely: Lymphomas, Chronic granulomatous infections, Salivary gland neoplasms, Reactive lesions, Developmental lesions and Non Specific lymphadenitis. Ethical approval was obtained and statistical analysis done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Level of statistical significance was set at p value <0.05.

RESULTS

Neck pathologies constituted 5.6% (49 cases) of the 873 head and neck biopsies received within the study period. Lymphoma group was the largest category of lesions constituting 55.1% (27 cases), followed by the Salivary gland neoplasms and developmental lesions, each with 12.2% (6 cases). Lesions were seen within the age range of 2 to 82 years, with a mean age of 39.9±21.2 years. Relationship between type of lesion and age group was significant at p=0.03. There was a slight male predominance with a Male: Female ratio of 1.1:1. Lateral neck accounted for 89.6% of all neck lesions. There was a strongly significant relationship between type of lesion and the site at p=0.000

CONCLUSION

A diverse range of pathologies can be encountered in the neck, with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas being the most predominant. It is however important that clinicians and pathologists equip themselves with knowledge of these differentials and their socio-demographics, as this will go a long way in better patient management.