Pediatric Tumors of Oral and Maxillofacial Region

A number of retrospective studies have been done on tumors of oral and maxillofacial region. While pediatric tumors in this region are far from uncommon, few studies on these have included retrospective analysis, demographic distribution, histopathologic spectrum, and treatment and follow-up outcomes. It is not uncommon for children to present to the oral and maxillofacial specialists for evaluation of a mass in the region. It is therefore important for all of us to have a working knowledge of these pathologic processes in order to determine the clinical significance of a given lesion upon presentation. This knowledge will help us as oral and maxillofacial specialist (weather an oral pathologist or an oral physician or an oral surgeon) in further evaluation and management of the patient. This book is intended to highlight features of the more commonly encountered pediatric oral and maxillofacial tumors. It will begin with an overview of the epidemiology of various pediatric oral and maxillofacial tumors followed by some general observations on the age distribution of these lesions.