[OCULO-ORBITAL TUMOURS AT THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTRE OF BANGUI (CNHUB), CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, IN 2022].

INTRODUCTION: Oculo-orbital tumors are common. Their clinical and histological features are multiple. The management of oculo-orbital tumors is a real challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in our context. The aim of this study was to contribute to the improvement of the management of oculo-orbital tumors at the Bangui Teaching Hospital (CNHUB).

METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective, observational study of oculo-orbital tumors over 12 months from January 1 to December 31, 2022 in the ophthalmology department of the CNHUB. All consenting patients with histologically proven tumors of the eyeball and/or its adnexa were included in this study, regardless of age and sex.The parameters studied were:epidemiological: age, sex, occupation, origin;clinical: time of consultation, functional signs and associated signs, physical examination signs, risk factors;paraclinical: report of the anatomopathological examination of the operating room;therapeutic: treatment modalities (chemotherapy, surgery, palliative treatment, radiotherapy).These data were collected on a pre-established survey form for direct administration. The processing and the production of the results were carried out with Excel and Epi Info 7.0 software.

RESULTS: We included 97 patients with a mean age of 37.5 years, ranging from 2 to 70 years. There was a male predominance (sex-ratio = 1.8). Almost all patients lived in Bangui (96%). Patients under 40 years of age were most commonly affected (55%). The majority of tumors were benign (55%). Ocular pain (24%), lacrimation (22%) and orbital swelling (16%) were the main symptoms. Risk factors were mainly age (23%), diabetes (22%), HIV infection (16%) and alcohol and tobacco use (37%). The most common treatments were surgical removal (68%) and enucleation (16%). Chemotherapy was combined with surgery in 37% of cases.

CONCLUSION: Oculo-orbital tumors are frequent in our context. Their morpho-histological presentations are varied. A multidisciplinary approach is important for a good management.