title: Epidemiology and management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in Tanzania.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To estimate the incidence of suspected ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) by Region in Tanzania and learn where these lesions are treated.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed an analysis of existing theater records from three Tanzanian referral hospitals from 2006 to 2008 plus a prospective analysis of records from all other eye health workers who remove suspected OSSN outside the referral hospitals over 1 year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Approximately 40% of suspected OSSN are operated on outside of referral hospitals. The estimated annual incidence of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in Tanzania was 2.2 per 100,000 persons. Regional incidence rates were significantly correlated with Regional HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) prevalence (Pearson's r = 0.53, P = 0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence rate is high, in line with estimates from other East African countries. Management of these cases requires improvement as most patients are still not tested for HIV.
authors.affiliation: Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Hospital Eye Department, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Godfrey
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Furahini
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lewallen
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology
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