Odontogenic lesions in a pediatric population: Review of the literature and presentation of 745 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric odontogenic lesions are rare clinical entities and are not well addressed in the otolaryngology literature. Knowledge of the biologic and clinical behavior of these lesions and their basic features such as location and age are key aspects for otolaryngologists in developing an early clinical differential diagnosis, such that they can provide adequate treatment.

METHODS: Six thousand histologically-diagnosed odontogenic lesions from a 40-year period were reviewed. Pediatric patients (745 cases, 12.7%) aged up to 17 years were selected and reevaluated. The patients were divided into three age groups according to dentition periods: primary dentition (0-5 years), mixed dentition (6-12 years), and permanent dentition (13-17 years). Clinical data, including age, sex, and location, were collected from pathology records.

RESULTS: Of the total of 745 cases, 596 specimens (80%) were diagnosed as odontogenic cysts and 149 specimens (20%) were diagnosed as odontogenic tumors. The most frequent odontogenic cysts were radicular cysts (48.4%), followed by dentigerous cysts (16.7%). The most common odontogenic tumor was odontoma (8.05%).

CONCLUSION: This study shows that all odontogenic lesions in the pediatric group are benign. Odontogenic tumors are relatively rare in this age group. Knowledge of the biological and histopathological behaviors of odontogenic lesions and their basic features such as location and age is a key aspect for developing an early clinical differential diagnosis and providing adequate treatment.