Adult head and neck lymphomas in Papua New Guinea: a retrospective study of 70 cases.

BACKGROUND: During a 10-year period (1986-95), 70 adult Papua New Guineans with head and neck lymphomas were seen in the 18 years-and-above age group. METHODS: The clinical information was obtained from the medical records section of the Port Moresby General Hospital. Relevant treatment modalities and the follow-up data were acquired from the National Cancer Centre, Angau Memorial Hospital, Lae. RESULTS: Of a total of 227 adult lymphomas recorded in a 10-year period, 70 cases were seen in the head and neck region. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma constituted 56 cases, which included seven cases of adult Burkitt's-like lymphoma. Fourteen cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: In Papua New Guinea, malignant lymphomas primarily affecting the head and neck region were seen in 30.8% of all lymphomas. This constitues 2.8% of all malignancies in this region. These lymphomas appear to be more aggressive at this site. Proper tissue diagnosis and combination chemoradiotherapy are the key factors in its management.

Paediatric head and neck lymphomas in Papua New Guinea: a review and analysis of 67 cases.

A retrospective study of head and neck lymphomas in Papua Newguinean children between the age of 0 and 12 years for a 10-year period has been attempted. A total of 67 cases are recorded. This constitutes approximately 23% of all lymphomas seen during this period. There was a male predominance in all groups. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) comprised of 92% of which Burkitt's lymphomas (BL) predominate (64%). Almost 50% of these cases seen were in the age group of 5-8 years. In BL, cheek swelling and upper jaw involvement are the common modes of presentation, however, in 23% of cases advanced disease with multiple sites of involvement are noted. In other NHL cases, approximately 55% presented with cervical lymphadenopathy only, maxillary sinus was affected in four cases and orbit in two cases. Histological evaluation of NHL cases excluding BL revealed two high grade, nine intermediate grade and seven low grade tumours. Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) comprised of 8%. All cases of HL presented with cervical lymphadenopathy. Standard therapeutic modalities for lymphomas with multidrug chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy were followed. Proper prognostic evaluation following the treatment had not been possible in view of poor patient compliance and lack of follow up.