Objectives: To retrospectively document the pattern of occurrence of odontogenic tumours in Tanzania over fifteen years.Design: The histologic types, site, age and sex distribution of odontogenic tumours in Tanzania from 1982 to 1997 were reviewed. Records of patients who presented to the four referral centres in Tanzania and who had histologically proven oral tumours and tumourlike conditions were examined. Results: Odontogenic tumours comprised about 12.2% of all oral tumours and tumour-like conditions. The majority of odontogenic tumours (55.3%) were seen in patients below 30 years of age and they more commonly affected the mandible than maxilla. Ameloblastoma was the most commonly seen odontogenic tumour (73.7%), followed by odontogenic myxoma (10.3%). The site, sex, and histologic distribution of ameloblastoma did not differ from other African studies. Over 50% of patients with ameloblastoma presented to hospital late (after three or more years). Conclusion: In order to improve on the treatment outcome, the need for early detection and referral of patients by medical personnel and dentists is stressed.

Background: Salivary gland tumours are not well characterised in Africa. The Kijabe Hospital Pathology Laboratory operates a pathology service utilised by twenty one church/ mission hospitals and thus has accumulated data from many parts of Kenya regarding major salivary gland eoplasms. Objective: To review the specimens in order to help understand the spectrum of the salivary gland neoplasms in Kenya. Design: Data on all major salivary gland tumours examined over the study period were obtained from the Pathology department computer database. Basic information on age, tribe, pathological diagnosis and site of the tumour were available for analysis. Setting: A rural hospital in Kenya with a pathology service serving 21 church/mission hospitals throughout Kenya.

Subjects: All major salivary gland neoplasms examined in the pathology laboratory over the period January 1992 to December 1999. Main outcome measures: Age, tribe, pathological diagnosis, site of speci