A 20-year Histopathologic Audit of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases at Two Referral Centres in Nairobi, Kenya (2001-2020)

Abstract

Background: Oral and maxillofacial lesions occur widely across the Kenyan population, yet few long-term studies on the different lesions have been done based on confirmed tissue histopathology. The occurrence of such lesions in the population is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to the effects of disease on vital orofacial structures that affects functions like nutrition, respiration and the special senses such as vision and hearing. Generally, the occurrence of oral and maxillofacial lesions has been reported to fluctuate in the Kenyan population and elsewhere in the world. However, these local studies have been done over a limited duration, mostly in single centers. The knowledge of current trends and patterns of such lesions in the population is essential in establishing the burden of diseases and guiding oral health authorities and clinicians creating appropriate policies and decisions. Broad Objective: The broad objective of this study was to describe the range, trends and patterns of oral and maxillofacial diseases and disorders confirmed by histopathological diagnosis at two centers in Kenya from the year 2001 to year 2020. Study population: This study investigated histopathology records from the oral pathology department at the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital (UoNDH) and the pathology unit at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). These facilities are the largest referral centers for the management of oral and maxillofacial diseases in Kenya.