Epidemiological Insights into Head and Neck Neoplasms in Ha’il Region: A Retrospective Review

Head and neck neoplasms (HNNs) impose a significant global health burden, yet epidemiological data from the Ha’il region of Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological distribution of histopathologically confirmed HNNs recorded from two tertiary hospital pathology services in the Ha’il region. A retrospective, hospital-based observational study was conducted using a complete case sampling approach of all eligible histopathologically confirmed cases within the study period. Histopathology records from two tertiary referral hospitals in Ha’il were reviewed from 2016 to 2024. Of the 742 head and neck specimens screened, non-neoplastic and inconclusive cases were excluded, yielding 49 patients with histopathologically confirmed neoplasms. Cases were grouped by tumor behavior (benign vs. malignant), anatomical site, and demographic characteristics. The extracted variables included age, sex, clinical presentation, lesion location, lifestyle factors, and medical history. Data were analyzed descriptively, and Fisher’s exact test was applied for exploratory analysis of relationships between categorical variables, with statistical significance set at P ≤0.05. Sex distribution was nearly equal (51% male and 49% female), with the highest case frequency among individuals aged <40 years. Salivary gland tumors, particularly of the parotid gland, were most common. Malignant neoplasms, predominantly squamous cell carcinoma, accounted for 55% of cases, while pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent benign tumor. No statistically significant associations were identified between demographic and clinical variables ( P > 0.05). This hospital-based study describes the distribution of HNN cases within the Ha’il region. Malignant neoplasms, predominantly squamous cell carcinomas, accounted for a slightly higher proportion than benign lesions, while pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign neoplasm. No significant associations were identified between demographic or lifestyle variables.