Frequency of odontogenic tumors: a single-center study of 250 cases in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Odontogenic tumors (OTs) constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions with variable clinical and pathological features. This study aimed to determine the frequency of OTs in the Nigerian population. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of histological results of the OTs diagnosed between 2015 and 2024. The information gathered included the age and sex of the patient, location of the lesion, and histological diagnosis. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 29 computer program. Results: Of the 860 histological reports of patients with oral and maxillofacial lesions, 250 (29.1%) were diagnosed with OTs. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.1. The patients’ ages at diagnosis ranged from 4 to 88 years (mean age of 32.41 years). The most common benign tumor was ameloblastoma ( N = 183, 73.2%), while ameloblastic carcinoma ( N = 32, 12.8%) was the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumor Conclusion: OTs account for one-third of all orofacial lesions in Nigeria. There is a slight predilection for females and young adults are more affected.