Neoplasms and non-neoplastic pathologies in the oral and maxillofacial regions in children and adolescents of a Brazilian population

Background Few studies regarding the distribution of pediatric oral diseases are available. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and demographic profile of neoplasms and non-neoplastic lesions among children and adolescents (0–19 years old). Methods A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed and data regarding gender, age, anatomical location, and histopathological diagnosis were collected and categorized. Biopsy records were obtained from the archives of a Brazilian referral center between 1980 and 2016. Results A total of 2.114 pediatric patient biopsy records were analyzed, where most cases were diagnosed in patients aged 10 to 19 years old (80.7%). Females were more affected ( n = 1180) and the lip ( n = 507) was the most common anatomical site. Reactive and inflammatory lesions ( n = 942) were the most prevalent non-neoplastic pathologies, followed by cysts ( n = 308). Benign neoplasms were the most frequent among neoplasms ( n = 346) and malignant cases were very rare ( n = 11). Conclusions An increase in the prevalence of lesions in the second decade of life was observed, where reactive and inflammatory lesions, cysts, and benign neoplasms were most frequent. Clinical Relevance Biopsy data allows for the real characterization of the incidence of oral and maxillofacial lesions and, thus, permits Brazilian dentists and pediatricians to diagnose these diseases.