OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to describe the relative frequency of benign tumors in the mandible and maxilla, the operations done to manage these tumors at the Philippine General Hospital and compare it to previous reports.

METHODOLOGY: The histopathology records of patients with tumors affecting the mandible and maxilla who underwent biopsy or definitive surgery between January 1993 and December 2005 were included in this study and analyzed.

RESULTS: Out of 1049 cases of tumors of the mandible and maxilla, 566 were benign tumors. Patients had a mean age of 30.77 + 15.70 (Range of 4 mos to 83 years). There is a predilection for males (1.4:1), and the mandible (1.9:1). Ameloblastoma is the most common tumor encountered (266 out of 566 or 47.00 percent). Resection is the most common operation done (380 out of 575 or 66.09 percent). Nine operations were done for tumor recurrence (9 out of 575 or 1.57 percent). Ameloblastoma is the only histologic type of tumor that resulted in recurrence.

CONCLUSION: Benign tumors are more common in the mandible and maxilla. Odontogenic tumor, specifically ameloblastoma, is the most common histologic type. If has specific predilections as to site, age, and gender. In this study, resection is the most common procedure done for this tumor.