Epidemiological Profile of Oral and Head-and Neck Tumors at Sebha Oncology Center: A Nine-Year Retrospective Evaluation

Abstract

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are a significant health care issue worldwide. Insufficient data in Libya makes it difficult to fully comprehend its local impact. This study aims to provide a retrospective analysis of the epidemiology of head and neck cancer among cancer patients at the Sebha Oncology Centre (SOC) over a period of 9 years, and to compare the results locally and regionally. The patient’s medical records from 2016 to 2025 were obtained and examined. Age and sex information, as well as the tumor's location, were gathered. The study included 2460 patients’ files; 63 patients were diagnosed with head and neck cancers, with a percentage of 2.5%. The most common type of head and neck cancer was non-Hodgkin lymphoma (46%), followed by thyroid gland cancer (22.2%) and oral cancer (9.6%). The tongue and soft palate were the most anatomical sites for oral cancer (3.2% for each). The least frequent kind of HNCs was salivary gland cancer (3.2%). The male-to-female ratio was 0.75:1, with more female patients having thyroid gland cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and more male cases having nasopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers. Patients ranged in age from 20 to 86, with the majority of cases occurring between 41 and 60, with predominance of females in this age group. The center had a lower rate of oral cancer compared with local and international studies. To increase public awareness of cancer risks, a comprehensive public education program must be established. Such programs are crucial for reducing prevalence, encouraging early detection, and guaranteeing prompt management.