BASAL CELL CARCINOMA OF HEAD AND NECK REGION: AN ANALYSIS OF 120 CASES

Background: Skin cancer is the most common malignancy and makes upto about one third of all cancers diagnosed. The common skin cancers include nonmelanoma skin cancers and melanoma. The majority of skin cancers of the head and neck are nonmelanoma skin cancers[1]. Out of which BCC is the most common. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 75% of all cases of nonmelanoma skin cancers. Older age and male sex are associated with higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell cancer occurs mostly on face , head, scalp, neck and hands. Aims And Objectives: To analyze the presentations of basal cell carcinoma, different areas involved and treatment modalities. Material And Method: Retrospective study from January 2008 to May 2013. Prospective study from June 2013 to June 2015. A total of 120 cases were examined. All retrospective record was retrieved from pathology and plastic surgery department and along with new cases were analysed. Results: A total of 120 cases of BCC were examined out of which 76( 64%) were male and44 (36%) were female. Giving male to female ratio of 1.7:1. Cheek (29%) is the most common site involved. Mean age at presentation was 58.7 years and median age was 60 years with a range of 60 years from 25-85 years. Nodular lesion was seen in 46.07 % cases followed by pigmented 18% and superficial lesion in 15% cases. Conclusion: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer of the head and neck region affecting mainly elderly males. Increased incidence is most likely due to the increased ultraviolet radiations, increased outdoor activities, changes in clothing style and ozone depletion. Surgery is the main stay of treatment. Adjuvant treatment is given mostly to stage 3 and stage 4 disease patients and in some patients with positive resection margins.