Clinical Analysis of Head and Neck Cancer Cases in South-West China 1953–2002

The occurrence of head and neck cancers varies worldwide. This study retrospectively analysed the incidence and types of 8646 cases of head and neck cancers in south-west China that were treated at the West China Stomatology Hospital of Sichuan University between 1953 and 2002. Overall mean patient age was 50.3 years and the overall male:female ratio was 2.38:1; mean age increased and the male:female ratio decreased over the study period. Peak incidence occurred between the ages of 40 and 60 years. Primary tumours most frequently developed in the tongue, followed by the bucca and gingiva. Histologically, squamous cell carcinomas were most frequently recorded. The parotid gland and palate were the most common locations for salivary gland tumours. Over the study period the incidence of head and neck cancers increased with time and the rate of increase was greater in females than males. The frequency of histological types and topography were similar to previous reports.