Odontogenic tumors and lesions treated in a single specialist oral and maxillofacial pathology unit in the United Kingdom in 1992–2016

Abstract

OBJECTIVES : Odontogenic tumors (ODTs) are a heterogeneous group of lesions derived from elements of tooth-forming tissues. No detailed data on the incidence of odontogenic tumors in the United Kingdom have been published. The aim of this study was to retrospectively describe the range and incidence of odontogenic tumors from 1992 to 2016 in a single specialist unit and to compare this population with others. STUDY DESIGN : By using the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology database, Sheffield (UK), we included both local and referred consultation cases. A proportion of diagnoses were reclassified in accordance with the 2017 World Health Organization classification. RESULTS : In total, 559 odontogenic tumors were diagnosed. Overall, the most common lesions were ameloblastoma (196 [33.8%]), odontoma (148 [25.5%]), and odontogenic myxoma (37 [6.3%]), but this varied between local and referral case populations, with odontomas being most common in the local population (43%). The sites affected and the gender and age of patients were similar to other Western populations. Malignant ODTs comprised 33 cases (5.7%), of which 9 (27.3%) were ameloblastic carcinoma. The majority of the malignant ODTs comprised referral cases. CONCLUSIONS : Here, we present the first detailed data on ODTs within a UK population, and the pattern of incidence from the local population is similar to other Western populations. The exceptional rarity of malignant ODTs emphasizes the need for specialist centers for their treatment to gain diagnostic experience. STATEMENT OF CLINICAL RELEVANCE : This article presents the first comprehensive data on odontogenic tumors from a UK population, underlining the relative rarity of these lesions and the importance of access to specialist pathology services for diagnosis.