Epidemiology and management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in Tanzania.
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.
Furahini
Godfrey
G
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Hospital Eye Department, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania.
Lewallen
Susan
S
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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