Epidemiology and Histopathology of Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms in Iran.

Introduction: This study aimed to study the trend, histologic pattern, geographical distribution, and characteristics of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and nasopharyngeal neoplasms (NPN) from 2003 to 2017 in Iran. Materials and Methods: The Ministry of Health and Medical Education collected NPN cases from the corresponding university in each province and stored them in Iran National Cancer Registry (INCR) database. The Joinpoint program calculated the average annual percent change (AAPC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). The jump model minimized the interfering effect of INCR transformation. Results: 3653 NPN cases were reported between 2003-2010 and 2014-2017, with a mean age of 49.04 ± 18.31 years and a male-to-female ratio of 2.15. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) per 100,000 person-years was 0.30 for females and 0.68 for males in 2017. Although the ASIR/100,000 of NPN raised from 0.35 to 0.49 during 2003-2017, the trend was constant with an AAPC of -2% (95% CI: -4.8% to 0.9%). The age-specific incidence rate was highest in the older than 70 population (1.56/100,000). NPC formed 77.1% of NPNs and showed a constant pattern (AAPC CI: -5.7% to 0.2%), in contrast to the significant increase of non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (AAPC CI: 2.3%to 24.5%). Conclusions: Nasopharynx cancer is rare in Iran, and NPC incidence remained constant from 2003 to 2017, unlike previously reported rising trend. However, non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma exhibited a significant increase, and future studies are needed to examine the role of the Epstein-Barr virus on this growth rate.

Thyroid Cancer Epidemiology in Iran: a Time Trend Study.

BACKGROUND: Considering the rising incidence of thyroid cancer worldwide, the aim of our study was to investigate the temporal trends in the incidence of this cancer in a large population of Iranian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the Iran Cancer Data System (ICDS) Registry to assess the thyroid cancer trend from 2004 to 2010 with regard to different genders, age groups, and morphologies. To do this we analyzed the data of 10,913 new cases of thyroid cancer that occurred during these years. RESULTS: The incidence rate (per one year) of thyroid cancer was 2.20 per 100,000 persons between 2004 and 2010 in Iran. Papillary thyroid cancer was the most common histology type, with an annual rate of 0.29 in Iran. The highest rate of prevalence in thyroid cancer was observed at the age of 45 years at the time of diagnosis. We found a female-to-male ratio of 2 in Iran. A significant decrease was detected in the trend of thyroid cancer in children <19y, which was not correlated to the trend of older patients. CONCLUSIONS: As expected, the trend of thyroid cancer increased over the 7 years, primarily contributed by papillary thyroid cancer. A rising pattern of incidence was seen in all the age groups except patients aged under 19 years.

Recent Trends and Geographical Distribution of Thyroid Cancer in Iran from 2004 to 2009.

BACKGROUND: To prevent and control the cancers in Iran, the Iranian Department of Health has released the cancer rates data of the country. As the report has suggested, the incidence rate of thyroid cancer would be the most rapidly increasing among all the cancers. The study has aimed to carry out a qualitative assessment of thyroid cancer in Iran, during the 2004 to 2009, in a cross-sectional setting. METHODS: The incidence rates, the trend of individual provinces, the mean age at which the disease occurred, the correlation between incidence rate and median urinary iodine concentration were the parameters evaluated in our study. RESULTS: The average annual incidence rate during these six years was 2.17 per 100000. Chaharmahal-o-bakhtiari, had the highest incidence rate, but the East Azerbaijan provinces had the lowest incidence rates respectively. The age of diagnosis was the lowest in Ardebil but the highest in West Azerbaijan. In our study, we have found the positive correlation between thyroid cancer incidences with low urinary iodine concentration among all provinces (p-value=0.025). CONCLUSION: Presently, the only recognized measure procedure for reducing thyroid cancer risk would be perhaps the correction of median urinary iodine concentration. Further researches have seemed to be required for investigation the other factors, in order to introduce preventive measures in Iran.

An empirical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea: an optimised method for developing countries.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to test a new approach for repairing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and to determine the demographic, diagnostic, and treatment factors associated with the successful management of intracranial complication. Owing to the high frequency of endoscopic surgeries and the low cost of medical care in Iran, we decided to report our experience of reconstruction after CSF leaks. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our experience in the diagnosis and management of CSF rhinorrhoea in Iran between 2005 and 2012. The locations of all pre-repair leaks were identified using simple, readily available methods. The follow-up time ranged from 2 to 72 months. RESULTS: Of the 37 participants, 59.5% were men and the mean age was 33 years. The success rate was 86.1%, and the most common aetiological factor was trauma (57%). The most common location was the ethmoidal fovea (45.9%), followed by the sphenoid sinus (24.3%), the cribriform plate (13.5%), and the posterior table of the frontal sinus (5.4%). CONCLUSION: Medical care in Iran has considerable budget restrictions. This study advocates a practical method of treatment for patients in similar circumstances, with a success rate of 86.1% when compared to the 90.6% achieved with other techniques. KEYWORDS: cerebrospinal fluid leak, endoscopic, intracranial pressure ICP.