Abstract
Objectives:To analyze the frequency and type of benign orofacial lesions submitted for diagnosis at Tripoli Medical Centre over 17 years period (1997-2013).Materials and Methods:Entries for specimens from patients were retrieved and compiled into 9 diagnostic categories and 82 diagnoses.Results:During the 17 years period, a total of 975 specimens were evaluated, it comprised a male-female ratio of 0.76:1. The mean age of biopsied patients was 36.3±18.32 years. The diagnostic category with the highest number of specimens was skin and mucosal pathology (22.87%); and the most frequent diagnosis was pyogenic granuloma (14.05%).Conclusion:Pyogenic granuloma, lichen planus, radicular cyst and fibroepithelial polyp were found to be the most predominant diagnoses. Frequencies of most benign orofacial diseases were comparable to similar studies in the literature and to those reported from the eastern region of Libya. Further surveys are needed to define the epidemiology of orofacial diseases in Libyan population.
Highlights
Histopathological analysis is an important complementary tool that aids in the establishment of a definitive diagnosis
It is essential that dental practitioners have a perceived knowledge of the clinical and demographic characteristics associated with the occurrence of the versatile benign orofacial lesions, since many of them may exhibit similar clinical and/or radiographic characteristics to one another or may resemble malignant conditions
This study investigates all benign oral lesions in a group of Libyans
Summary
Histopathological analysis is an important complementary tool that aids in the establishment of a definitive diagnosis. Conducting an overall and detailed medical history and a comprehensive exploration of the oral cavity is essential to obtain a correct diagnosis. This influences the prognosis and the implementation of the appropriate treatment for each patient. Occasionally it is possible to establish a clinical diagnosis, in most cases it is essential to conduct additional simple tests that provide valuable information, such as biopsies. Of particular importance is the contribution of biopsy and histopathology to the early detection of premalignant and malignant Lesions. Failure to biopsy may lead to persistence of a misdiagnosed malignant lesion or other serious pathology, resulting in an unfavourable downstream course for the patient and the attending clinician [2]
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