Epidemiology and Histopathology of Cancers of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract in the ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital

Introduction: Head and neck cancers represent a significant burden of cancer, collectively ranking fourth for cancer incidence and second for cancer mortality worldwide. Objective: To study the epidemiological and histopathological aspects of head and neck cancers in the ENT-CCF department of Ignace Deen National Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive retrospective study covering a period of 5 years from September 1, 2016, to September 30, 2021. Results: We collected 43 cases of head and neck cancers, representing a hospital frequency of 1.85%. The mean age was 45.21 ± 13.23 years. Males predominated, accounting for 65.12%, compared to 34.88% for females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.87. Housewives accounted for 27.90%, followed by farmers at 23.26% and traders/merchants at 18.60%, with 41.86% being uneducated. The main risk factors were tobacco (37.21%) and alcohol (34.88%). Pain (53.49%), dysphonia (51.16%), and dyspnea (39.53%) were the main presenting symptoms. Squamous cell carcinoma (74.42%) and large cell lymphoma (18.60%) were the most commonly cited histological types. Conclusion: Head and neck cancers remain relatively common in our country. Improving prognosis depends on early diagnosis of the condition, resuscitation resources, and prompt management.

Clinical, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Profiles of Hypertensive Emergencies in the Cardiology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital (Conakry)

Introduction: Hypertensive emergencies are a reality in the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary profile of hypertensive emergencies in the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. Methods: This was a longitudinal descriptive study of patients admitted to the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital for hypertensive emergencies, over a period of six (6) months from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021. Results: Among the 638 patients admitted to the cardiology department during the study period, 102 cases of hypertensive emergencies were identified, representing a frequency of 15.99%. The mean age of the patients was 56.65 ± 13.33 years, with extremes of 23 and 90 years, and the sex ratio was 1.91 in favour of men. The associated cardiovascular risk factors were: age (76.47%), smoking (41.18%), sedentary lifestyle (31.37%), obesity (16.67%), dyslipidaemia (12.75%), diabetes (11.76%) and excessive alcohol consumption (11.76%). The various clinical pictures found were: acute pulmonary oedema 39 cases (38.23%), acute coronary syndrome 31 cases (30.39%), stroke 17 cases (16.67%), hypertensive encephalopathy 11 cases (10.78%), acute renal failure 3 cases (2.94%) and aortic dissection 1 case (0.98%). The drugs used on admission were calcium antagonists (Nicardipine 10mg) in 58 cases (56.86%), diuretics (Furosemide 20mg) in 44 cases (43.13%), nitrates (Risordan 20mg) in 39 cases (38.23%) and beta-blockers in 31 cases (30.39%). In terms of outcome, 88 (86.27%) patients had improved. However, 12 (11.76%) deaths were recorded. Conclusion: Hypertensive emergencies are a worrying condition with a high prevalence in the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital.