Orofacial biopsies: a survey of 1,723 cases seen over a 10 year period.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the distribution pattern of orofacial lesions according to age, sex, anatomic location and to compare the findings with reported African and Western series.

DESIGN

A survey of 1,723 orofacial biopsies over a 10 year period.

SETTING

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Harare Central Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe, the major referral centre in the country.

SUBJECTS: Records of 1,723 patients who had orofacial biopsies were surveyed.

RESULTS

Males were relatively more frequently affected (54.5pc) than females. Non-odontogenic lesions were seen relatively frequently and these constituted 55.9pc of total cases; 39.3pc of the non-odontogenic lesions were epidermoid carcinoma. Ameloblastoma comprised 79.1pc of odontogenic lesions; 22.9pc of cystic lesions were dentigerous cysts.

CONCLUSION

The distribution pattern of oro-facial lesions is similar to that in other reported studies. Ameloblastoma is the most frequently seen odontogenic tumour. Minor salivary gland neoplasms were seen in relatively large numbers and in a younger age group compared to reported series. This finding is similar to other African series.