Histomorphological Spectrum of Head and Neck Lesions: A Three Year Retrospective Analysis

Background: Lesions of head and neck are common in patients of all age groups. Head and neck cancers including thyroid lesions are the third commonest malignancy seen in both sexes across the globe. Aim: To study the histo-pathological spectrum of head and neck lesions in a tertiary care hospital of north India. Material and Methods: Three year retrospective study was conducted in Department of Pathology of tertiary care hospital. The head and neck cases including thyroid were retrieved from the data base of the department and analyzed with respect to age, gender, topography and histo-pathological diagnosis. Results: Out of 4092 biopsies received during a three year period, 158 biopsies were from the head and neck area. The age range was 4-86 years. Maximum number of cases were seen in the age group of 41- 60 years. The male female ratio was 2.5:1.89 cases were benign, 6 were borderline, 4 inconclusive and 59 were malignant. Commonest malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity and commonest benign lesion was epidermoid cyst. Conclusions: Information relating to site specific data forms a scientific basis for developing strategies to prevent and diagnose various lesions especially cancers.