Odontogenic tumors: analysis of 289 Nigerian cases

Two hundred and eighty-nine cases of odontogenic tumors that accumulated in the files of the biopsy service of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital during a period of 21 years were analysed and categorised according to the most recent WHO classification of odontogenic tumors. Odontogenic tumors constituted 19% of all oral/jaw tumors and tumor-like lesions. Ameloblastoma, which accounted for 58.5% of odontogenic tumors in the series, was the most common, and showed a predilection for males and the posterior mandible. 94.8% of odontogenic tumors were benign, while malignant odontogenic tumors accounted for 5.2%. Odontogenic carcinoma was the most prevalent malignant odontogenic tumor; it showed a predilection for the mandible and occurred at a mean age of 37 years.     

Ameloblastoma: analysis of 207 cases in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to review all the cases of ameloblastoma seen at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, between 1980 and 2003. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this retrospective study, case files and biopsy reports of new cases of ameloblastoma covering a 24-year period were retrieved and analyzed for sex, age on presentation, histologic type, and site distribution. RESULTS: A total of 207 cases of ameloblastoma were seen in the given period. One hundred and ninety-eight (95.7%) were benign, and 9 (4.3%) were malignant. A male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1 was found. The average ages on presentation for ameloblastoma and ameloblastic carcinoma were 31.67 and 46.44 years, respectively. The lesion was found to be more common in the premolar-molar region of the mandible. The most common histologic type was follicular ameloblastoma (25.1%). Nine (4.3%) cases of ameloblastic carcinoma were also reported. CONCLUSIONS: Ameloblastoma with a predilection for the posterior mandibular region is relatively common in our environment. Sex and site distributions are similar to previous reports in the literature.     

Odontogenic tumours in children and adolescents: a study of 78 Nigerian cases.

BACKGROUND: There is paucity of literature on odontogenic tumours in children and adolescents. Available records are difficult to compare due to differences in study criteria. To contribute to the records, a 20-year study of odontogenic tumours on the basis of the WHO classification (Kramer et al., 1992) in Nigerian African children and adolescents < or =18 years of age was undertaken. MATERIAL: A retrospective survey of oral/jaw tumours and allied lesions in children and adolescents < or =18 years of age seen at the Maxillofacial Unit, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria between 1979 and 1998. Data collected were histopathologic type, age, clinical features, radiologic appearance, treatment and record of recurrence. METHOD: Odontogenic tumours selected using the WHO classification were used for further study. Data were collected from case notes, radiographs, histopathologic reports and follow-up records. Information retrieved was used to complete a questionnaire and subjected to analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-two (252) subjects < or =18 years were recorded, from which 78 (31%) had odontogenic tumours. Among seven types of odontogenic tumours seen, ameloblastoma (54%), odontogenic myxoma (19%) and adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (9%) were predominant. All patients seen were from 6 to 18 years with more than half (53%) between 15 and 18 years of age. A patient with multiple, bilateral odontomas of the maxilla and mandible resembling Herrmann's syndrome was recorded. Seventy-three patients were treated using enucleation (37%), dentoalveolar resection with preservation of lower border (15%) and segmental resection (48%). Five patients absconded after tumour diagnosis. No tumour recurrence was recorded in 65 treated cases followed-up for between 2 months and 10 years. CONCLUSION: This report shows that while ameloblastoma was the predominant odontogenic tumour, its frequency in Nigerian African children was lower than in the adult population. A case resembling Herrmann's syndrome is also presented.     

Odontogenic tumors in Chile: a study of 362 cases.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic tumors are infrequent lesions. Thus, the review of a large number of cases becomes a necessity for both the pathologist and the clinician. Studies on odontogenic tumors have been published in many parts of the world, but there is little information available in the English language literature on the relative frequency of odontogenic tumors in Latin America. The aim of this study was to determine the relative frequency of this heterogeneous group of lesions in a Chilean population, and to compare these data with previous reports. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 28,041 specimens from 1975 to 2000 in the Oral Pathology Referral Institute (IREPO), and using the criteria for histological typification published by the World Health Organization in 1992, we reclassified the odontogenic tumors. RESULTS: We confirmed a total of 362 odontogenic tumors. The frequency of odontogenic tumors as a percentage of all pathological specimens in our institute was 1.29%. The most frequent histological type was odontomas (44.7%), followed by ameloblastomas (20.4%) and myxomas (8.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Odontogenic tumors are uncommon lesions in the Chilean population and malignant odontogenic tumors are very rare. The relative frequency of various types of odontogenic tumors, as well as the age and gender distribution are similar to those reported in the North American series and different from those found in recently published Asian and African series.     

Odontogenic tumors: a study of 340 cases in a Brazilian population

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determinate the relative frequency of odontogenic tumors (OTs) in a Brazilian population and to compare this data with previous reports. METHODS: We reviewed the achieves of 19 123 specimens from oral pathology laboratory of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, from 1954 to 2004. Using the criteria of histologic typification published by the World Health Organization in 1992, we classified the OTs. RESULTS: A total of 340 OTs were found. The frequency of OTs comprises 1.78% of all pathologic specimens in our laboratory. The most frequent tumor was ameloblastoma (45.2%), followed by odontomas (24.91%), and myxomas (9.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Odontogenic tumors are uncommon lesions in this Brazilian population and malignant OTs are very rare. The relative frequency of various types of OTs, age, and gender distribution are similar to those reported in African, Asian but not to Chilean and North American series.     

Odontogenic tumors: analysis of 706 cases.

From a total of 54,534 oral biopsy specimens, 706 (1.3%) odontogenic tumors were retrieved and reviewed. Odontomas comprised more than 65% of the odontogenic tumors, ameloblastomas about 10%, and the remaining six categories of odontogenic tumors accounted for approximately 25% of the lesions. The distribution by age, sex, and location of these tumors generally supported the data from other previously reported cases. A possible variant of the calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor was described, and instances of two granular cell ameloblastic fibromas were reported. The myxomas as a group were characterized histologically more by residual bony trabeculae than by the presence of odontogenic rests. Because the clinical, histological, and behavioral features of the ameloblastic fibroma and ameloblastic fibro-odontoma were similar, these lesions were considered to be essentially the same. From limited follow-up information, the ameloblastoma was the only lesion that recurred. With the exception of one ameloblastoma found in the lung, no malignant odontogenic tumors were encountered.     

Primary malignant neoplasms of orofacial origin: a retrospective review of 256 cases in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

A retrospective review of cases histologically diagnosed as malignant lesions of the orofacial region in 1992-2003 from the records of the Department of Oral Pathology and Biology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria was carried out. All cases were subjected to analysis of age, gender, site distribution and histologic types. Malignant tumours constituted 18% of all the biopsies of orofacial lesions seen within the period. The mean age of patients was 42.2+/-21.5 years (range: 2.5-85). There were 177 (69%) epithelial tumours of which squamous cell carcinoma was predominant, 47 (18%) sarcomas and 32 (13%) lymphomas. Squamous cell carcinoma (44%) was the most common malignant orofacial tumour. Osteosarcoma (32%) and Burkitt's lymphoma (56%) was the predominant sarcoma and lymphoma, respectively. Patients with a histologic diagnosis of carcinoma were older than those with sarcomas and lymphomas (P<0.01), and those with a histologic diagnosis of malignant lymphoma were significantly younger than those with sarcomas (P<0.01). Almost 25% of patients with carcinomas were below the age of 40 years. Malignant orofacial tumours are not uncommon in the studied environment, with a sizable proportion of carcinomas occurring before the age of 40 years.     

Odontogenic tumors in Sri Lanka: analysis of 226 cases.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relative prevalence of odontogenic tumors in Sri Lanka and compare it with prevalences reported for other countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 226 cases of odontogenic tumors reported by the Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya between 1996 and 2002, were analyzed. RESULTS: The most prevalent tumor was ameloblastoma (69.8%); odontoma was the fourth most prevalent (4.5%). No gender predilection was seen, but the tumors occurred most frequently in the second to fifth decades of life (77.4%) and most commonly in the mandible (79.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The comparative data with statistically significant differences suggest a geographical difference in the relative prevalence of ameloblastoma among various continents. It is suggested that ameloblastoma most frequently occurs in the mandible (the posterior region) in all Asian, African, and South American countries.     

A clinical evaluation of dry socket in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine the incidence of dry socket in a Nigerian teaching hospital and to evaluate the patients' demographic pattern, predisposing factors, the treatment given, and treatment outcome. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of records of dental extractions complicated by dry socket in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, between January 1996 and December 2000 was undertaken. Information retrieved included patient sociodemographic data, indications for extraction, tooth extracted, status of attending surgeon, onset of symptoms, relevant findings of the examining clinician, interval before presentation, treatment given, and its outcome. RESULTS: Of the 3,319 dental extractions performed in 3,008 patients, 136 (4.1%) were complicated by dry socket. The patients' mean age was 33.4 (15.4) years and a peak age incidence of 21 to 30 years was found. A slight female preponderance (1.4:1) was observed. The majority of patients were in the low-income group, and presentation in the hospital was prompt in the high-income group. Mandibular teeth were affected 3 times more than maxillary teeth (P =.00080). Most cases of dry socket resulted from extractions performed by undergraduates and house officers. Various underlying systemic conditions were found in 11.0% of cases, none of which included use of oral contraceptives. Treatment was usually the use of zinc oxide eugenol dressing in an irrigated socket, combined with antibiotic therapy in 45.3% of cases. No adverse reaction to zinc oxide eugenol was observed. CONCLUSION: The incidence of dry socket in our hospital is 4.1%. The mandible was involved 3 times more than the maxilla. With the use of zinc oxide eugenol dressing, 70.6% of patients completed treatment satisfactorily and 29.2% were lost to follow-up.     

Odontogenic sinusitis: a comprehensive review

Odontogenic sinusitis (OS) is a highly prevalent, underappreciated and underdiagnosed disease that has been known for over 100 years. Apical periodontitis, periodontal disease and iatrogenic extrusion of foreign bodies into the sinus are the main causes of OS. Although the prevalence of sinus pathosis of dental origin is still controversial, otolaryngologists recognize that in the presence of recalcitrant sinusitis, a dental origin should be considered and properly treated. Currently, cone-beam computed tomography is the gold-standard imaging technique to assess the relationship between dental conditions, especially apical periodontitis and sinus diseases, and whenever this association is detected, patients should be seen by both a dentist and an otolaryngologist in order to achieve complete recovery. This article reviews the current concepts regarding the definitions, diagnosis and management of OS from a clinical point of view.     

Dental status of patients with mental disorders in a Nigerian teaching hospital: a preliminary survey

Although individuals with mental disorders are reported to experience dental problems similar to the general population, evidence suggests they actually have higher risks of dental disease and increased oral health needs. This study describes the dental status of 105 psychiatric outpatients in a Nigerian hospital. Information was obtained from subject interviews, medical records, and an oral examination to determine their dental caries and periodontal disease status. The oral hygiene status of the study participants was poor; the mean oral hygiene index score was 2.7 ± 1.20. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth ranged from 0 to 9 with a mean of 2.3 ± 2.28. Only five subjects (4.9%) had restorations and the mean number of filled teeth was .14 ± .67. The subjects’ age was significantly related to the mean oral hygiene score (p= .005), the mean gingival score (p= .006), and caries occurrence (p= .047). The oral health status of psychiatric patients in Nigeria is poor, indicating the need to provide oral health education and increase access to dental care for these patients.     

Dental anxiety among patients undergoing various dental treatments in a Nigerian teaching hospital

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the levels of dental anxiety among patients undergoing various dental treatments and to compare the anxiety levels with those of similar studies conducted with subjects from different socio-cultural backgrounds. Dental anxiety was evaluated by the administration of a questionnaire based on the Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). Student t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferoni correction was employed to compare the mean DAS scores. Females recorded higher total DAS scores than males (7.49 +/- 2.96 and 7.16 +/- 3.44, respectively). Patients in the 24-34 year age group showed the highest total DAS scores (8.25 +/- 3.20) followed by the <24 year age group. The total DAS scores for age groups 35-39 and >50 years differ significantly from those of age groups <24 and 24-34 years. The highest DAS score was recorded for root canal therapy (9.30 +/- 2.84) followed by extraction. The level of dental anxiety among this study population is lower than those reported elsewhere. The observed avoidance of dental treatment among Nigerians, despite the seemingly low mean DAS scores, may be related to dental anxiety. The authors are, however, of the opinion poor dental awareness may be a contributory factor.     

Psychological complications of maxillofacial trauma: preliminary findings from a Nigerian university teaching hospital.

PURPOSE: This study sought to determine 1) the prevalence of psychological distress in a series of subjects who sustained maxillofacial injuries and 2) temporal changes in psychological functioning over 12 weeks compared with baseline values. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, repeated-measures design study of consecutively recruited subjects at a Nigerian university teaching hospital. A total of 51 subjects with facial injuries had repeated follow-up assessments (10 days, 6 to 8 weeks, and 10 to 12 weeks) after the trauma, using standard instruments. RESULTS: The General Health Questionnaire identified a high prevalence of psychological morbidity in the subjects (90%), with 41.2% and 11.8% scoring above threshold values on the hospital anxiety and depression scales, respectively. Five subjects satisfied the criteria on the Trauma Screening Questionnaire for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder during the follow-up period. Psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire caseness) remained at high levels during the 2 follow-up assessments. CONCLUSIONS: The management of facial injuries should integrate a multidisciplinary approach that addresses the psychological needs of the patients in both the short term and the long term.     

Odontogenic tumors in childhood: a retrospective study of 86 treated cases. Importance of a correct histopathologic diagnosis

The odontogenic tumors are an unusual group of lesions of the jaws derived from embryologic tooth-forming tissues and presenting in a large number of histologic patterns. More common in pediatric age and adolescence than in adult age, the odontogenic tumors can be observed casually or after the appearance of nonspecific symptoms. Because of their slow-growth tendency, usually they do not cause pain. The odontogenic tumors grow in the jaw, through the haversian system, without metastasis but with and high probability of relapse. A retrospective study of 86 cases treated between 1997 and 2005 is reported. The percent of diagnosed cases that were benign was 98.8%, and just one case of malign neoplasm is reported. The most frequent tumor accounted for in the reported sample was odontoma (39.5%) followed by odontogenic fibroma (12.8%). Ameloblastoma and myxoma showed the same incidence (11.6%). Early diagnosis, together with a correct histologic diagnosis, allows a preservative and effective surgical treatment and is necessary to reduce the risk of relapse.     

Odontogenic keratocysts: review of the literature and report of sixteen cases

Sixteen cases of odontogenic keratocyst are reported. Two of the patients had basal cell nevus syndrome. The provisional diagnosis in most of the 16 cases was other than odontogenic keratocyst, and the presenting symptoms were usually swelling, pain, and sinus tract formation. The treatment varied from simple enucleation to marsupialization, homogenous bone grafting, and iliac bone grafting. There was a 25% recurrence rate, mostly associated with treatment by enucleation, cysts that were parakeratinized or difficulty in removing the lesion.