title: Clinicopathological profile of malignant tumors of the oropharynx: a case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Due to recent lifestyle changes, the worldwide incidence of malignant oropharyngeal tumors is on the increase. This study focuses on the clinical and pathological profile of malignant tumors of the oropharynx as seen in a north-central Nigerian teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a descriptive retrospective analysis of the clinical and pathological profile of this disease.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six patients aged between 37 years and 78 years had malignant oropharyngeal tumors. There were 5 (83.3%) males and 1 (16.7%) female. All patients presented with cervical swelling, dysphagia, odynophagia and muffled voice with dental caries and visible masses filling up the oral cavity and oropharynx. Four (66.7%) patients presented with dyspnea and 3 (50%) with otalgia and deafness. Three (50%) patients had histologic diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (centroblastic), 1 had lymphoepithelioma and 2 had squamous cell carcinoma. Two (33.3%) patients died during treatment, 2 (33.30%) defaulted and 1 (16.7%) is being followed up for 5 years and is tumor free.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oropharyngeal cancer has a poor prognosis in the tropics due to late presentation. Proper health education aimed at early detection and treatment in our environment is required.
authors.affiliation: Otorhinolaryngolog Unit, Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, PMB 2076, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Adoga
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Silas
authors.forename: L T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Nimkur
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms; D009549:Nigeria; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000473:pathology*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013997:Time Factors