Pattern of occurrence of odontogenic cysts in Nigerians.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relative frequency and histopathologic pattern of odontogenic cysts in a Nigerian population.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of case notes and histologic reports and slides.

SETTING

Teaching Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria.

SUBJECTS

Seven hundred and fifteen patients seen between 1982 and 1996 with histologically confirmed oral lesions.

RESULTS

Sixty five (8.8%) of all oral lesions during the study period were odontogenic cysts among which 61.9% were radicular, 19% dentigerous and 14.3% keratocysts. Other uncharacterised odontogenic cysts constituted 3.8%. The peak incidence was in the second decade (44.4%) while the mean ages of occurrence were 26.5, 12.8 and 29.3 years for the radicular, dentigerous and odontogenic keratocysts respectively. The overall sex incidence was almost equal (male to female ratio (1:1.1). The radicular and dentigerous cysts were more commonly seen in the maxilla while the odontogenic keratocysts were more in the mandible.

CONCLUSION

There is need for more studies in African populations to establish the true pattern of odontogenic cysts.