Odontogenic cysts and odontogenic tumors in a large rural area from India. A 10-year reflection

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of odontogenic cysts and tumors along with age range, sex distribution, site of presentation and also to identify the most common type of odontogenic cyst and tumor among the population of coastal Karnataka over a 10-year period. METHODS: Data was collected from patient records and histologically diagnosed cases of odontogenic cysts and tumors. The age, gender of patients, as well as the site of lesion was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 167 cases were retrieved. Among them, 125 cases were diagnosed as odontogenic cysts and 42 cases were odontogenic tumors. Radicular cyst was the most frequently diagnosed cyst and unicystic ameloblastoma was the most frequently diagnosed tumor. A strong predilection for males was observed for both the odontogenic cysts and odontogenic tumors. Odontogenic cysts were more commonly seen in individuals in the age range 21–41 years, while odontogenic tumors were frequently seen in individuals in the age range 1–20 years. CONCLUSION: This study provides an epidemiological profile of odontogenic cysts and odontogenic tumors among a rural population of coastal Karnataka. There is a notable variation in demographic profile of odontogenic cysts and odontogenic tumors in this population when compared with other populations.