HEAD AND NECK-CANCER IN A REFERRAL CENTER IN ASIR REGION

This study looks at the incidence of head and neck cancer in the South west Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Asir Region). There were a total of 204 newly diagnosed patients seen at Asir Central Hospital b etween 1987 and 1992; 113 males and 91 females. All were Saudi patient s. Frequency at various sites with reference to sex and age was determ ined and comparison with local and international published reports was made. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper in the Ki ngdom to look at head and neck cancer as a distinct entity. In this st udy, skin cancer was the most common among males followed by oral and pharyngeal cancers. Among females, thyroid cancer was the most common followed by skin and oral cancers. Some preventive measures are discus sed.