Odontogenic tumours from two centres in Jamaica. A 15-year review

This is the author's experience with odontogenic tumours in Jamaica during the 15-year period, 1980-1995, with special emphasis on the clinicopathological presentation, radiology and outcome of treatment. A retrospective review of histopathological reports, radiographs and case notes of patients with jaw tumours presenting to the Kingston Public Hospital and Cornwall Regional Hospital (the two hospitals in Jamaica with a maxillofacial surgery department) are presented. The study included 70 patients with histologically confirmed odontogenic tumours out of a total of 293 with tumours of the mouth and jaw, of which 123 were of odontogenic origin. We recorded the following; ameloblastoma (n = 47, 67%, M:F = 1:1), recurrent ameloblastoma (n = 12, 17.1%) odontogenic myxoma (n = 3, 4.3%, M:F = 2:1), odontongenic fibroma (n = 2, 2.9%, both female), adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (n = 3, 4.3% M:F = 1:2) ameloblastic fibroma (n = 2, 2.9%, M:F = 1:1) and ameloblastic carcinoma (n = 1, 1.4%, a male). Of all these tumours, only ameloblastomas recurred. Further research is required to explain the high incidence of ameloblastoma, and why it has a predilection for people of low socioeconomic status in Jamaica.