Presentation and Surgical Management of Jaw Tumors at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State

Jaw tumors constitute a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant lesions arising from odontogenic or non-odontogenic tissues, and their surgical management often requires complex multidisciplinary planning. In Nigeria, patients frequently present late, often after visible facial deformity has already developed, complicating both diagnosis and intervention. This retrospective descriptive study examines the clinical presentation, histopathological characteristics, and surgical management of jaw tumors at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Kwara State, in the North Central geopolitical zone. Case records from 2018 to 2023 were reviewed, identifying 86 eligible cases. Data include patient demographics, tumor type, jaw involved, duration of symptoms, treatment rendered, and histopathological diagnosis. Ameloblastoma was the most frequently encountered odontogenic tumor, constituting 44.2% of all jaw tumor cases, predominantly affecting the mandibular body and ramus in males between 20 and 40 years. Among non-odontogenic tumors, ossifying fibroma and giant cell lesions were the most common benign types, while osteosarcoma represented the dominant malignant entity. Surgical resection with bone grafting was employed for extensive ameloblastoma cases. Late presentation significantly limited the scope of jaw-preserving surgery. The findings support the expansion of reconstructive surgical capacity in North Central tertiary facilities. Keywords: jaw tumors, ameloblastoma, ossifying fibroma, mandible, Ilorin.