Odontological section of a bone tumour registry

A Bone Tumour Registry is incomplete without the inclusion of the odontogenic tumours. The odontogenic tumours originate in only three bones of the body so there is a case for the establishment of a separate section in a Bone Tumour Registry for their consideration. Problems of classification and differential diagnosis are different from other bone tumours. The clinicians and diagnostic specialists concerned with their recognition and treatment often only work in the oral field. They need the association with their colleagues working in the general bone tumour field which a Bone Tumour Registry can provide. In an area with a small population, the variety and number of cases seen will be small; establishment of a Bone Tumour Registry is a useful educational tool. The setting up of a Bone Tumour Registry at an early stage of the development of an area means that the lines of communication and collection of cases for the Registry can be more easily organized than in more populated areas. The Bone Tumour Registry in Perth and the setting up of its odontological section are described in this paper.