Aesthetic and functional sequelae of patients operated upon for benign jaw tumours at a tertiary hospital in Cameroon

Introduction and general objective

Benign tumours develop locally and remain confined to the tissue in which they originate. They grow slowly. However, they can grow to significant size and weight. They rarely reoccur after surgical removal. Their evolution is generally favourable. In some cases, however, they can cause serious or even morbid complications, due to their location or metabolic disorders.There are two types of management for these tumours: conservative surgery, which consists of removing the tumour with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue, while preserving the role and appearance of the organ in question; and radical surgery, which is the removal of a diseased organ and all surrounding tissues likely to be affected by the disease. These treatments can lead to loss of substance, resulting in both functional and aesthetic sequelae.

The general objective of our study was to: Determine the aesthetic and functional sequelae of patients operated on for benign jaw tumours at the Yaoundé Central Hospital.

Methodology

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2023 with prospective data collection in the ENT and Cervico Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Yaoundé Central Hospital. Patient recruitment was consecutive and non-exhaustive. Epidemiological, clinical and anatomopathological data were collected, as well as the various aesthetic and functional sequelae.

This study concerned all patients operated on for benign tumours presenting anatomopathological evidence and having given their informed consent at the Yaoundé Central Hospital. Patients who were lost to follow-up, deceased or who had not given consent were excluded.

Results

39 patients were recruited; 16 men and 23 women, giving a sex ratio of 0.69. The mean age was 36.18 ± 15.38 years, a minimum of 14 years and a maximum of 71 years. Ameloblastoma was the most common tumour (38.5 %). The most common method of treatment was radical surgery, and the most common material used for reconstruction was the screw-plate (86.9 %). Sequelae were found in 35 patients (89.74 %), the most common functional sequelae being impaired mastication (92.5 %). Aesthetic sequelae were mainly marked by facial asymmetry (66.7 %).

Conclusion

The fourth decade of female gender was the most represented population among patients operated on for benign tumours of the jaws. Radical surgery was more commonly used in our work. Among the aesthetic sequelae in our study, we noted facial asymmetries, scars and their location were predominantly mandibular. The most common functional sequelae were impaired mastication, nerve damage and impaired speech.