Frequency and Characteristics of Cutaneous Malignancies Diagnosed at Services Hospital, Lahore

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and characteristics of cutaneous malignancies in
patients presenting at SHL from June 2014 to 2017 to estimate the burden of disease in our set up.
Methods: Forty four patients of cutaneous malignancies were included in this study conducted
at SHL. The demographic details and the features of malignant lesions were noted including site,
size, number, duration, rate of growth, secondary features, skin type, associations, any pre
malignant lesion, family history of similar or any other cancer and hours of sun exposure.
Relevant systemic examination and appropriate investigations were done to detect the distant
metastasis. Skin biopsy was taken in all patients.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.9 ± 7 years. Males were 28 (64%) and females
were 16 (36%). Rate of growth was slow in most of the patients. Mean duration of symptoms was
6 months to 2 years. There was statistically significant higher sun exposure in male outdoor
workers as compared to indoor workers (P value being 0.000). Majority of the patients had lesions
on face. Most of the patients had a solitary lesion. Actinic keratosis was present in 9 patients.
Majority of the patients were of skin type IV. Secondary features were present in 32 patients.
Associated diseases were noted in 7 patients. History of similar cancer in family was noted in 4
patients. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) was the most common malignancy, 20 (46%) followed by
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), 13 (30% ). Remaining 11 (25%) cases constituted Mycosis
Fungoides (3), Basisquamous carcinoma (2), Malignant Melanoma (1), Kaposi Sarcoma (1),
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberance (1), Bowens Disease (1), B Cell Lymphoma (1) and
cutaneous metastasis of internal malignancy (1).
Conclusions: The commonest cutaneous malignancy was found to be BCC, followed by SCC.
The early diagnosis and prompt treatment can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with
these malignancies.