Pattern of histologically diagnosed orofacial tumor and disparity in number managed in a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital: A 5 years review

Abstract

Background: Orofacial tumors are tumors that can affect any tissue in the oral and maxillofacial region. They constitute a major health problem in Africa because of late presentation. Aim: This was a retrospective study designed to determine the pattern of histologically diagnosed orofacial tumor and those actually managed. Materials and Methods: The department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Pathology of a University Teaching Hospital in South West Nigeria. Histological diagnoses file and theater register booklet was retrieved from 2010 to 2014. Age, sex, diagnosis, and occupation of the patients were extracted. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 (SPSS 16 Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results were presented as descriptive frequencies (%). The value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 188 data analyzed, 98 (52.1%) were females, whereas 90 (47.9%) were males with male: female ratio 1:1.08. Age groups 21–30 and 31–40 constitute the highest age group with tumor presentation (41 [21.8%]). Most of the patients were traders (62 [33%]). Plexiform ameloblastoma was the most common benign tumor (23 [12.2%]), whereas moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignant tumor (9 [4.8%]). Only 58 (30.9%) were treated while 91 (48.4%) were not treated and only 39 (20.7%) were referred. Conclusion: Ameloblastoma was the most common odontogenic tumor while moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignant lesion. Most of the diagnosed tumors were not treated and reason is due to low financial status of the patients. Negligence on the part of patient could also be a contributing factor.