Clinicopathological characterization of oral and maxillofacial non-odontogenic neoplasms affecting pediatric patients at a Brazilian reference center: a 10-year retrospective study

• Grant number: 22/12765-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2023
• End date: January 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Jorge Esquiche León
• Grantee: Bruna Pimentel Gonçalves
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Most head and neck lesions in children originate from an inflammatory process, followed by congenital and neoplastic diseases. Between 0.25% and 15% of all childhood malignancies are located in the head and neck region. Childhood cancer is the second cause of death in children over five years of age, surpassed only by trauma or accidents, and its incidence has increased by 0.6% per year, especially in the head and neck region, according to recent studies. Relevantly, about 10% of pediatric patients have oral lesions. Despite the increase in the incidence of lesions in the head and neck region, there has been a decrease in the mortality rate, from 6.5% to 2.2%, emphasizing the importance of correct diagnosis and treatment, with an impact on prognosis. Among the most frequent pediatric malignancies in the oral and maxillofacial region, we can consider lymphomas, sarcomas and salivary gland adenocarcinomas. The differential diagnosis of these lesions can be broad, and the correct diagnosis is essential for adequate multidisciplinary interventions. Thus, the present study aims to describe the prevalence and distribution of oral and maxillofacial non-odontogenic neoplastic lesions in pediatric patients treated at a tertiary reference center in Brazil (HC/FMRP-USP), over a period of 10 years. Data such as gender, age, race, location, type of lesion, treatment and prognosis will be collected, as well as data on frequency and distribution of lesions, by oral and maxillofacial region, to be later interpreted by descriptive and statistical analysis. Our results are expected to provide important epidemiological information about the status of oral and maxillofacial health, aiming to contribute to health strategies in pediatric populations.