Ameloblastoma in Jamaica: analysis of 47 cases [abstract]

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyse all the cases of ameloblastoma seen in two major public hospitals in Jamaica, over a 15-year period, and to compare our results with what has been previously documented. No such analysis has been carried out in Jamaica or elsewhere in the English-speaking Caribbean. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The case files of patients histologically diagnosed to have ameloblastoma at both the Kingston Regional Hospital and Cornwall Regional Hospital in Jamaica from 1980 to 1995 were retrieved and information about this odontogenic tumour was documented. RESULTS: A total of 47 new cases of ameloblastoma were recorded between 1980 and 1995. This number accounted for 16.03 percent of all jaw bone tumours in Jamaica, and 38.2 percent of jaw bone lesions of odontogenic origin. These cases of ameloblastoma accounted for 67 percent of odontogenic tumours with the exception of odontomas. The mean age was 29.1 years with a range of 13-67 years. The male-female ratio was 11.14 (an almost equal sex ratio). Only 3 cases presented in maxilla. CONCLUSION: The clinicopathological presentation of ameloblastoma in Jamaica is similar to what has been documented by other authors throughout the world. (AU)