…To build radiotherapy centre
By: Felix Ikpotor
Management of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH, says the hospital has the capacity to manage cases of Nasopharyngeal Cancer.
Chief Medical Director of UPTH, Professor Henry Ugboma stated this while addressing journalists on the sideline of the hospital’s monthly Ground Round.
He also disclosed that plans are underway to build a radiotherapy centre in the hospital.
Represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Professor Lucky Onotai, the CMD said the event was necessary to enlighten the university community and general public on the existence of the ailment and the fact that it can be handled in the hospital.
He explained that, “
Nasopharyngeal Cancer are cancers that affects the back of the nose, a space behind the nose which we don’t see and this tumor grows and occupies it. From there it grows to the eyes, throat, head and all parts of the body and it’s hidden. It normally presents like a swell in the neck or poor eyesight or bleeding from the nose or blockage of the nose. So we feel that we have cases that we have managed successfully and it would be nice to let the public know that these cases can be managed especially when the patient presents the case early”.
The CMD said causes of the cancer includes undue exposure to chemicals especially from gas flaring, petrochemicals and petroleum products, eating of ungutted salted fishes, from woods used in drying fishes which contains chemicals.
Ugboma warned that, ‘when you have catarrh, don’t see it as common, when you have poor eyesight or you are bleeding from your nose or you have a growth or swelling in or on your neck take it very seriously. These are pointers to Nasopharyngeal Cancer”.
On treatment, the UPTH helmsman said, ” in this hospital, apart from the experts we have on ground, we have people who can treat it using chemotherapy or radiotherapy”.
He also said the school is collaborating with TETFUND to build a standard radiotherapy centre.
“Our radiotherapy equipment is still work in progress but we have collaborations with private centres like in Uyo, Calabar and Lagos where people can access quality care. Also some government hospitals like the National Hospital Abuja, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, have these facilities but our own is still work in progress.
The CMD called for increased enlightenment and awareness on the existence of the ailment and for people to present themselves early for treatment.
On her part, a consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, Dr. Ibekwe Uju said the review done last year by the hospital showed that over forty five cases have been successfully handled.
She said late presentation of cases posses a great challenge to its treatment and urged people to come for medical examination whenever they observe unhealthy symptoms on their necks, nose and throat.
