Retrospective analysis of South Australian pediatric oral and maxillofacial pathology over a 16-year period

Aim The epidemiological features and distribution of pediatric oral and maxillofacial pathology in South Australia, Australia, is unknown. The medical and dental specialties involved in the management of oral and maxillofacial pathology is also unknown. The aim of the present study was to audit oral and maxillofacial pathology specimens submitted for diagnosis in a pediatric tertiary-referral hospital setting. Methods Histopathology records were retrieved from the Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide over a 16-year period. Age, sex, histopathological diagnosis, location of the lesion, and department involved were recorded. Lesions were classified into 12 categories. Results A total of 676 lesions involving the oral and maxillofacial region were collected from patients aged 0-18 years. The mean age was 8.71 years. Diagnosis was not significantly associated with sex (P = 0.123). A total of 97.37% of cases were benign, with connective tissue and salivary gland lesions most frequently biopsied and more frequently biopsied by medical departments. Mucoceles (19.23%) were most commonly diagnosed, followed by dentigerous cysts (5.62%). The Department of Paediatric Dentistry submitted most specimens, followed by the Department of Otolaryngology, the Australian Craniofacial Unit, and the Departments of Paediatric Surgery and Plastics. Conclusion The present study provides valuable understanding into the epidemiological features of, and the specialties involved in, oral and maxillofacial histopathology in an Australian pediatric population.