Evaluation of Maxillofacial Biopsy Results in the Paediatric Population: A Single Centre Retrospective Study

Authors

  • Michael Olayinka ADEYEMI Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos
  • Ochuko EBRORHIE Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • Mohammed Adam Sheikh ABDULLAHI Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State
  • Olaitan Abdul-Warith AKINSHIPO Department of Oral Pathology and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
  • Zainab Adebimpe SALIU Department of Child Dental Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital
  • Ebenezer Abiodun AJOLOKO Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, General Hospital, Lagos Island, Lagos State

Abstract

Background: Children are also affected by diseases. The oral and maxillofacial region is exposed to various harmful and carcinogenic agents, leading to lesions. Biopsies are required to make a definitive diagnosis of these lesions. Biopsies help the surgeon plan concise treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution of oral and maxillofacial biopsy results in the paediatric population.

Methods: This study was a 14-year retrospective study. Paediatric biopsy results from 2012 to 2025 were evaluated. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS, IBM) version 25 was utilised for data analysis. Percentage, mean, and standard deviation were utilised to represent numerical variables. Categorical variables were evaluated using frequency and percentage. Chi-square was employed to test for association. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

 Results: 268 biopsy results were analysed in this study. There were more males (58.6%) than females, and the majority of lesions biopsied were benign (63.81%). Odontogenic tumours were the most common benign lesions, with ameloblastoma (17.54%) accounting for the majority. Sarcoma was the most common malignant lesion, with rhabdomyosarcoma (5.59%) being the most frequent subtype.

Conclusion: Children are a unique population, and tumours can also affect them. It is of utmost importance that the clinician maintains a high index of suspicion, given the uniqueness of children, and when doubt exists, a biopsy can be performed.

Keywords: Benign, Malignant, Odontogenic Tumour, Paediatric biopsy, Sarcoma

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Published

2026-08-11

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026): Nigerian Journal of Dental Research

Section

Original Articles