A review of 318 odontogenic tumors in Kaduna, Nigeria.

PURPOSE: To analyze 318 odontogenic tumors seen at a tertiary oral care center in Kaduna, Nigeria for comparison with findings in previous Nigerian and world records.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective survey of odontogenic tumors based on the classification of Kramer et al was undertaken at the Maxillofacial Unit, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria, from all histopathologically proven cases of tumors and tumor-like lesions of the oral and perioral structures. Data were retrieved from case notes, radiographs, histopathology results, and follow-up records. Information collected were used to complete a questionnaire and subjected to analysis.

RESULTS: There were 990 tumor and tumor-like lesions of the oral and perioral structures, of which 318 were odontogenic tumors (32%). Twelve histopathologic types of odontogenic tumors were found with more benign (n=314; 99%) than malignant (n=4; 1%). Ameloblastoma made up 233 (73%) of the tumors, followed by odontogenic myxoma (n=38; 12%), ameloblastic fibroma (n=9; 3%), and the adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (2%). Three cases of calcifying odontogenic cyst were co-existent with ameloblastoma (2) and ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (1). Among 275 surgically treated odontogenic tumors, enucleation was performed in 64 cases (23%), dentoalveolar segment resection with preservation of lower border of the mandible (n=33; 12%), segmental resection (n=168; 61%), and composite resection (n=9; 3%); 1 case was deemed inoperable. At least 8 cases of ameloblastoma (13%) recurred out of 60 followed up.

CONCLUSION: Ameloblastoma is a fairly common tumor of Nigerian Africans accounting for 73% of odontogenic tumors and 24% of all tumors and tumor-like lesions of the oral and perioral structures. Various forms of resection are practiced to eradicate the tumor in view of the late presentation in our environment. Patients in Nigeria do not often return for follow-up reviews. A minimum of 5 years of follow-up reviews are necessary after treatment of ameloblastoma.