European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

The most prevalent cutaneous malignancy in white individuals is BCC, while SCC is the most prevalent among those with darker skin tones, including Indians. The head and neck region is predisposed to BCC. Unlike melanoma, BCC normally does not cause life-threatening disease, although it is locally invasive and can cause significant morbidity and complications. Surprisingly, recurrence in BCC is observed even after complete excision with a clear margin. Therefore, further studies are required for a better understanding of these recurrent cases and to improve the treatment approach.
Methods and Material: This retrospective study was conducted at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery department. The study included all patients admitted with BCC of the head and neck region for a period of fiveyears.
Results: A total of 42 patients with BCC lesions of the head and neck region, were identified. There were 24 males and 18 females. The majority of patients were noted in the 50 – 80 age group. Tumours most commonly involved the cheek region. The majority of the examined primary BCCs were nodular clinically. On confirmation by histopathology, most of the lesions were nodular. Multiple recurrences of the disease were observed in one patient.
Conclusions: The clinical and histological pattern of BCC in this area of India is presented in this study. The most likely risk factors in this population are ageing and long-term sun exposure. The primary risk factors of the recurrent disease are the site, histopathologic subtype, and margin status.