Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: A Teaching Hospital-Based Study

Abstract

Context: The mortality rate of non-melanoma skin cancers (Basal cell carcinoma [BCC] and squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]) is low. This implies a high morbidity state. The cost implication to the health sector may be huge depending on its magnitude. The data generated from this study will give an insight of the burden of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) on our health facility as well as being utilized for the purpose of records and ultimately for planning locally and nationally.
Aims and objectives: To determine the frequency, age and sex distribution of NMSC.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study. All cases of NMSC (BCC and SCC) diagnosed histologically between January 2004 and December 2013 in the Department of Morbid Anatomy, University of Benin Teaching Hospital were analysed.
Results: The NMSC accounted for 36.90% of malignant skin lesions. Their age spanned from the 2nd to the 9th decade with a mean age in the 5th decade (47.49 years). There was no significant sexual predilection (male:female = 1.03:1). SCC and BCC accounted for 82.61% and 17.39% respectively of NMSC. The head and neck region was the most common site of presentation of these tumours.
Conclusion: The NMSC comprises a notable portion (36.9%) of malignant skin tumours. The frequency of SCC was by far higher than that of BCC. The mean age of NMSC, SCC and BCC was in the 5th decade (40-49years). No significant sexual predilection was noted in this study. The head and neck region was the most common site for NMSC.