Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity in head and neck malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

A total of 521 HNCs (6.6%) were seen in 7941 otolaryngologic consultations within the study period. Males constituted 67.4% and females 32.6% (M:F ratio 2.1:1). Their mean age was 22.1+/-13.7 years (age range 8-85 years). HNCs were most common in the sixth decade. Ten participants (six males and four females) of the study population were HIV seropositive - a prevalence of 1.9% with 70% being in the 17-45 years age group. Laryngeal cancer (n=163, 31.3%) was the most common HNC. Four (36.4%) of the 11 cases of malignant salivary gland cancers (all parotid) were HIV seropositive. More cases of HIV seropositivity were observed during the HNC peak period of 2004-2006.