Epidemiology and Management of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia in Tanzania

Abstract

Purpose: To estimate the incidence of suspected ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) by Region in Tanzania and learn where these lesions are treated.

Methods: We performed an analysis of existing theater records from three Tanzanian referral hospitals from 2006 to 2008 plus a prospective analysis of records from all other eye health workers who remove suspected OSSN outside the referral hospitals over 1 year.

Results: Approximately 40% of suspected OSSN are operated on outside of referral hospitals. The estimated annual incidence of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in Tanzania was 2.2 per 100,000 persons. Regional incidence rates were significantly correlated with Regional HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) prevalence (Pearson’s r = 0.53, P = 0.03).

Conclusion: The incidence rate is high, in line with estimates from other East African countries. Management of these cases requires improvement as most patients are still not tested for HIV.

KEYWORDS::

• Tanzania
• HIV/AIDS
• Ocular surface squamous neoplasia
• Conjunctiva squamous cell carcinoma
• Epidemiology

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks to Muhumbili National Hospital and CCBRT for permission to study their files.

Declaration of Interest: The project was supported by Grant Number D43TW006732 from the Fogarty International Center through Duke University. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Fogarty International Center or the National Institute of Health.