Oral and maxillofacial malignancies: An analysis of 77 cases seen at an academic medical hospital

Oral and maxillofacial malignancies (OMMs) consist of a wide range of lesions, which constitute varying proportions of the total incidence of malignancies in the human population. Available epidemiological data vary across racial, geographical, gender, and occupational divides. They are often associated with significant impairment of patients' quality of life. Materials and Methods: A review of hospital records of patients with histologically diagnosed primary OMM, who presented to the Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, over a 5-year period, was done. Data including age, gender, site, and type of tumor, and histological grade of tumor were retrieved and analyzed with the SPSS version 20.0. Results: A total of 77 cases of OMMs were identified with a male/female ratio of 1:1.03. The mean (±standard deviation) age was 50.1 (17.8) years. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequently seen epithelial malignancy constituting 35.1% of all malignancies, with most patients in advanced stages of the disease. Osteosarcoma was the most frequently diagnosed sarcoma, constituting 11.7% of all malignancies seen. Salivary gland malignancies constituted 29 (37.7%). Other malignancies seen include, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, leiomyosarcoma, and malignant melanoma. Conclusion: OMMs constitute a significant health burden in our region. Thus, adequate resources should be allocated toward improving awareness among the populace. Policy shifts and regular dental visits which may increase the likelihood of early intervention should be instituted