Tumours of Orofacial Structures in Kenyan Children Aged 0-15 Years

INTRODUCTION:Tumours and tumour-like lesions of the oral and peri-oral structures have been the subject of few studies in Africa. The pattern of presentation of some of these tumours has revealed marked differences from those observed in non-African populations. However, the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of paediatric orofacial tumours remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of tumours of the orofacial structures observed in paediatric patients (0-15 years) at a Nairobi hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the paediatric oncology ward of the Kenyatta National Hospital between August and October 2004. After ethical approval was obtained, clinical records were accessed for patients' biodata, and patients were subjected to a physical examination. RESULTS: Out of a total of 328 children admitted to the paediatric oncology ward, 21 were found to have tumours of the orofacial structures. 76.2% of these patients were male, and 23.8% were female. 33.3% of the children were in the 8-9 year age bracket, and 23.8% presented in the clinic after having the lesions for 6-8 months. The most common tumour was maxillary Burkitt's Lymphomas. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the most common paediatric orofacial tumour observed in the National Referral hospital is Burkitt's lymphoma; in patients originating from Western Kenya which is part of the malaria belt. Late presentation of patients to the clinic adversely affected the overall prognosis. The high ratio of male to female patients raised the question of preferential treatment seeking for male children. More research is needed for development of effective primary and curative approaches to paediatric orofacial tumours in Kenya.