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Orofacial tumours and tumour-like lesions in Kano, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Orofacial tumours are known to exhibit geographic variations in prevalence and pattern due to cultural, social, occupational or climatic factors.
Method: A retrospective study of orofacial tumours presenting in a new maxillofacial centre in Nigeria between March 2001 and August 2002.
Result: A total of 342 patients attended the maxillofacial clinic within the 18-month period out of which 69(20.2%) had orofacial tumours. Only 55 case notes made up of
29(52.7%) males and 26(47.3%) females (M: F=1.1:1) were retrievable. The mean age was 37.1years(S.D: +/-18.5) with a range of 1 - 70 years .The peak age incidence was in the sixth decade for all tumours, third decade for benign and sixth decade for malignant tumours. The most prevalent tumours were squamous cell carcinoma (46% of malignant lesions) and ameloblastoma (31% of benign lesions) the mandible (38.2%) and the maxilla (23.6%) were the most commonly affected sites. Patients usually delayed before seeking treatment and the mean duration of tumours was 30 months (range=3 weeks - 40 years). More than a third (36.4%) of the patients could not afford cost of treatment and defaulted after diagnosis. Fifteen (27.3%) were referred for palliative radiotherapy due to advanced state of tumour. Out of the 14 (25.5%) treated, 4 had hemimandibulectomy, 1 subtotal mandibulectomy, 2 hemimandibulectomy and radiotherapy, 1 segmental resection and radiotherapy and 6 excisions. Follow-up records were scanty as patients tended to default shortly after treatment. The mean Follow-up period was 4.7 weeks (range= 1 - 22 weeks). Problems associated with management included late presentation resulting in advanced tumours, inability to pay for treatment due to poverty, difficulty in reconstruction and rehabilitation due to cost, size of tumour and non-availability of suitable materials for reconstruction.
Conclusion: Orofacial tumours and tumour-like conditions are commonly seen in our environment but usually present late.
Key Words: Tumuors, orofacial
Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research Vol.5(1&2) 2003: 134-139
Method: A retrospective study of orofacial tumours presenting in a new maxillofacial centre in Nigeria between March 2001 and August 2002.
Result: A total of 342 patients attended the maxillofacial clinic within the 18-month period out of which 69(20.2%) had orofacial tumours. Only 55 case notes made up of
29(52.7%) males and 26(47.3%) females (M: F=1.1:1) were retrievable. The mean age was 37.1years(S.D: +/-18.5) with a range of 1 - 70 years .The peak age incidence was in the sixth decade for all tumours, third decade for benign and sixth decade for malignant tumours. The most prevalent tumours were squamous cell carcinoma (46% of malignant lesions) and ameloblastoma (31% of benign lesions) the mandible (38.2%) and the maxilla (23.6%) were the most commonly affected sites. Patients usually delayed before seeking treatment and the mean duration of tumours was 30 months (range=3 weeks - 40 years). More than a third (36.4%) of the patients could not afford cost of treatment and defaulted after diagnosis. Fifteen (27.3%) were referred for palliative radiotherapy due to advanced state of tumour. Out of the 14 (25.5%) treated, 4 had hemimandibulectomy, 1 subtotal mandibulectomy, 2 hemimandibulectomy and radiotherapy, 1 segmental resection and radiotherapy and 6 excisions. Follow-up records were scanty as patients tended to default shortly after treatment. The mean Follow-up period was 4.7 weeks (range= 1 - 22 weeks). Problems associated with management included late presentation resulting in advanced tumours, inability to pay for treatment due to poverty, difficulty in reconstruction and rehabilitation due to cost, size of tumour and non-availability of suitable materials for reconstruction.
Conclusion: Orofacial tumours and tumour-like conditions are commonly seen in our environment but usually present late.
Key Words: Tumuors, orofacial
Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research Vol.5(1&2) 2003: 134-139
