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Paediatric orofacial tumours: new oral health concern in paediatric patients
1University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Department of Oral Pathology/Oral Medicine, PMB 1111 , Benin, Edo State, 300001 Nigeria.
Insights
Paediatric orofacial tumours show a recent incidence increase in Nigeria, with Burkitt's lymphoma being the most common malignant lesion. Findings highlight a rise in both benign and malignant tumours in children under 16.
Area of Science:
- Oral Pathology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Paediatric orofacial tumours represent a significant health concern globally.
- Understanding their incidence, demographics, and histological patterns is crucial for effective management.
- Previous studies in Nigeria have provided insights, but continuous monitoring is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, age, gender, orofacial sites, and histological patterns of paediatric orofacial tumours in a Nigerian population.
- To analyze yearly findings to identify trends and intervals of increased incidence.
- To provide updated epidemiological data on paediatric orofacial tumours in the region.
Main Methods:
- A 21-year retrospective analysis (1990-2010) of paediatric orofacial tumours in children under 16.
- Data collected from the Department of Oral Pathology/Oral Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
- Analysis included tumour incidence, demographics, affected sites, and histological classification.
Main Results:
- 13.5% of diagnosed lesions were paediatric orofacial tumours (137/1013), with a notable increase in the last 6 years (51.8%).
- Male predilection (78 males: 59 females), mean age of 9 years, and peak incidence in 11-15 year olds.
- Mandible and maxilla were most common sites; benign tumours (52.6%) slightly outnumbered malignant ones (47.4%), with Burkitt's lymphoma being the most frequent malignant lesion (27.7%).
Conclusions:
- A recent increase in paediatric orofacial tumour incidence in Nigeria has been observed.
- This rise is particularly linked to a higher incidence of Burkitt's lymphoma.
- The findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and research into paediatric orofacial tumours in this population.
Objective:
This study aims to determine the incidence, age, gender, orofacial sites and histological pattern of paediatric orofacial tumours in a Nigerian population. The yearly findings will be analysed to identify the interval for increase in the incidence of paediatric orofacial tumours.
Patients And Methods:
A 21-year (1990 to 2010) retrospective analysis of paediatric orofacial tumours in children younger than 16 years was carried out in the Department of Oral Pathology/Oral Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Results:
Of the 1013 diagnosed lesions within the study period, there were 137 (13.5%) paediatric orofacial tumours, among which 71 (51.8%) cases occurred within the last 6 years (2005 to 2010). There was male predilection for the lesions (78 males to 59 females, ratio = 1.3:1). The mean age was 9 + 4.3 years, with peak age group of 11 to 15 years (n=60, 43.8%). The mandible (n=44, 32.1%), followed by the maxilla (n=42, 30.7%) and orofacial soft tissue (n=19, 13.9%) were the most common sites. The benign tumours (n=72, 52.6%) were slightly more than the malignant tumours (n=65, 47.4%). There were more malignant tumours (n=23, 16.8%) than benign tumours (n=20, 14.6%) within the last 3 years (2008 to 2010) under review. Burkitt's lymphoma (n=38, 27.7%) was the commonest malignant lesion.
Conclusion:
This study showed a recent increase in the incidence of paediatric orofacial tumours, particularly due to a higher incidence of Burkitt's lymphoma.
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