Hypodontia prevalence and pattern in women with epithelial ovarian cancer

To analyze the possible association between hypodontia and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), with the special interest in hypodontia pattern.

One hundred twenty women with EOC treated at the Department of Gynecologic and Breast Oncology at the University Clinical Centre and 120 gynecologically healthy women of the same average age were reviewed for the presence and pattern of hypodontia. Collected data were analyzed for frequency, tooth type, location per jaw and side, number of missing teeth per person, and family history of hypodontia.

The results of the study showed prevalence of hypodontia in 19.2% of women with EOC and in 6.7% of women in the control group (P  =  .004). The most frequently missing teeth for women with EOC and women in the control group were maxillary second premolars and maxillary lateral incisors, respectively. Unilateral occurrence of hypodontia was more common than bilateral occurrence in women with EOC (P  =  .034). Of women with EOC and hypodontia, 21.7% reported a positive family history of hypodontia compared with no report in the control group of women with hypodontia (P  =  .150).

The results statistically support possible association between EOC and hypodontia. Because hypdontia can be recognized early in life, this finding could possibly help in earlier detection of EOC, resulting in better prognosis and treatment in earlier stages of the disease. Earlier EOC diagnosis and treatment could save many lives.