Tumours of the Lower Face in Ghana: An Eight-Year Study
Author Information
Author(s): Parkins Grace EA, Armah George, Ampofo Patrick
Primary Institution: University of Ghana Dental School, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital
Hypothesis
What are the types and characteristics of tumours and tumour-like lesions affecting the lower face in patients at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital over an eight-year period?
Conclusion
Both malignant and benign tumours are commonly seen in the Ghanaian population, with squamous cell carcinoma and ameloblastoma being the most prevalent.
Supporting Evidence
- A total of 394 patients with oro-facial swellings were retrieved, with 210 having lower face tumours.
- The most common clinical features were mandibular facial swelling (63%) and intra-oral swelling (55%).
- Malignant tumours were more commonly detected in patients aged between 41 and 70 years (63%).
- Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignant tumour, accounting for 62% of malignant cases.
Takeaway
Doctors looked at patients with face lumps over eight years and found many different types of tumours, mostly in the lower face.
Methodology
A retrospective analysis of patient records from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital from 1996 to 2003.
Limitations
The study is limited to a single hospital and may not represent the entire population of Ghana.
Participant Demographics
The study included 171 patients, with 58% males and 42% females, ages ranging from 4 to 95 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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