Abstract

Background: Cancers of the upper aero-digestive tract (UADT) constitute 3.5-4% of all malignancies. Majority of cases are squamous cell carcinomas which are related with various epidemiologic factors. Aims &
Objective: The objective of this study is to know the histopathological spectrum of tumours of UADT. Material and Methods: This study comprises of 156 cases of histopathological diagnosed tumours of upper aero digestive tract who attended new civil hospital, government medical college, Surat, from August 2010 to august 2012. All prospective and neoplastic cases were included and retrospective and non- neoplastic cases were excluded. Routine paraffin sectioning and staining was done and immunohistochemistry was applied when required.
Results: Out of total 156 cases of UADT, 129 malignant, 19 cases benign and 8 were carcinoma in-situ cases. In malignant cases, 124 (96.00%) cases of carcinomas, 1 (0.80%) case of sarcoma, 2 (1.60%) cases of melanoma, and 2 (1.60%) cases were of lymphomas. Most common site of carcinoma was oral cavity (tongue). Most common carcinoma was Squamous cell carcinoma. Most common site of SCC was hypo pharynx (pyriform Fossa), followed by oral cavity (tongue) and larynx (supra glottis). In benign tumours, most common site was nasal cavity (7 cases) and common varieties were Angiofibroma and Capillary Haemangioma. Conclusion: Tumours of UADT are predominant in males affecting older age group. People with tobacco chewing, smoking, alcoholism, poor socioeconomic background, mixed diet and poor oral hygiene are more vulnerable.