Prof. Onyekwere Benjamin Nwaogu, a specialist and seasoned otorhinolaryngologist in the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, has recommended accurate diagnosis in the treatment of diseases affecting the ear, nose and throat.

Nwaogu gave the recommendation during his Inaugural Lecture held at Trenchard Hall of the university, entitled ‘Steady Neck, Stable Head, and Unobstructed Throat: The Otorhinolaryngologist at Work’.

He posited: “The treatment modalities for head and neck cancers include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Their successful management depends on accurate diagnosis, tumour stage, and selection of appropriate treatment modality with close post-operative follow-up.”

He identified late disease presentation and acceptance of surgical treatment by patients and their families; initial self-medication, poverty and illiteracy as major challenges confronting the management of the patients. The ENT professor called for a targeted and well co-ordinated health education and awareness programme for ORL diseases; and that prevention at community level, through various media, including religious organisations, should be pursued with the support of appropriate and relevant agencies.

He also recommended that inclusion of therapy, for head and neck cancers, in the existing National Health Insurance Scheme, will likely encourage early presentation to ORL specialists, while also reducing default of treatment.

The ENT specialist also called for the establishment of world-class functional centres for the management of head and neck cancers in the six geopolitical zones of the country. The creation of awareness programmes and encouraging immunisation against Human Papilloma Virus and other infective agents will go a long way in preventing infection and other agents that may result in neck infections and abscess.

Earlier in the lecture, Nwaorgu disclosed that it was because of the frequent illness in his family that propelled him to study medicine.

The inaugural lecture dwelled copiously on diseases of the nose, neck, and head with their medical nomenclature; the findings/discoveries made on the diseases and management/treatment of the diseases.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Olayinka Idowu, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Ambrose Aiyelari; the Registrar, Mr Victor Adegoroye, among other academic and non academic staff of the university graced the inaugural lecture which witnessed a large turnout of invitees and guests.

•Photo shows Prof. Onyekwere Benjamin Nwaogu delivering his Inaugural Lecture at the Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan.

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