A clinicopathologic study of basal cell carcinoma between 1997 & 2001

Abstract

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy in the white population and is reported to be increasing worldwide. Although the majority of affected patients are elderly, a significant number of tumors are detected in persons in the third and fourth decades. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sex, age, occupation of the patients with basal cell carcinoma, and the histopathologic subtypes of the tumor. Material and Methods: The samples of 185 patients were surveyed to assess their skin cancer. Data collected included age, sex, tumor's location, occupation of the patients & the histopathological patterns of the tumor. Results: We analyzed 185 patients with basal cell carcinoma in the 4-year period (1997-2001). The sex distribution was 63% men & 37% women. The most common age group was 60-69 years (29.72%). Head & neck were the most common sites of involvement (91.35%) and nose was the most common involved region (28.64%). Most of the tumors were seen in the patients who were farmer (24%). The major histological pattern were nodular (80%), superficial (15%) morpheaform (3%) and micronodular (2%). Conclusion: Basal cell carcinoma occurs in the elderly, more commonly on the head & neck which is preventable by using sunscreens & avoidance of long time exposure to the sunlight.