Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Region in Ethnic Chinese

Abstract

Objectives. This study aims to report our experience in the management of HNBCC in ethnic Chinese over a 10-year period. Methods. A retrospective review of all ethnic Chinese patients with HNBCC treated in a tertiary centre from 1999 to 2009. Results. From 1999 to 2009, 225 patients underwent surgical excision for HNBCC. Majority were elderly female patients. Commonest presentation was a pigmented (76.2%) ulcer (64.8%) over the nose (31.6%). Median skin margin taken on tumour excision was 2.0 mm; primary skin closure was achieved in 51.8%. Postresection skin margin was clear in 75.4%. Of those with inadequate skin margins, 56.7% opted for further treatment, 43.4% for observation. Recurrence rates were 2.6% and 13.8%, respectively (P = 0.106). Overall recurrence rate was 5.5%. Conclusions. HNBCC commonly presented as pigmented ulcers over the nose of elderly female patients in our locality. Adequate tumour excision ± reconstruction offered the best chance of cure. Reexcision of those with inadequate skin margins improved local tumour control.

Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Region: An Analysis of 171 Cases

“…This could be because of the fact that males are more exposed to sun light because of their outdoor occupations. These results are similar to what is reported by Aandani and Ganatra [4] and Cigna et al [19] while on the other hand Chow et al [5] reports BCC to be more prevalent in females. BCC was most prevalent in 6th and 7th decade in our study group and mean age of presentation was 61 years.…”

“…These results are in harmony with those reported by Chow et al [5] and Aandani and Ganatra [4] who also report the nose and the cheek to be the most commonly involved site for BCC.…”

“…Recent studies have shown that two thirds of the tumors are located in the head and neck region as these are the most sun exposed regions of the body [4]. The incidence of BCC has increased substantially in the last decade or so and it shows geographical variations [5]. …”

Skin Non-Melanoma and Rare Malignancies of Head and Neck in Uttarakhand: A 2-Year Experience at a Tertiary Centre of Northern India.

“…BCCs in this study were more common in males as reported in most studies worldwide, presumably due to greater occupational and recreational exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR).The higher incidence of BCC in comparison to SCCcould be directly related to the occupation of the patients who were of low socio-economic status and regularly exposed to sunlight.SCC most commonly involves the ear, front temporal region of the scalp and cheek in the head and neck region (10).After analyzing the anatomical site for occurrence of BCC, In our study cheek was the commonest followed by nose. These results are in correlation with those reported by Chow et al (11) and Aandani and Ganatra (12).In our study, NMSC showed significant male predominance, with male to female ratio being 5:1 and it is similar to the other many studies, which also had male predominance (13). The most common histopathological pattern for SCC was the moderately differentiated form constituting 6% which is in contrast to study by Alakloby et al which had well differentiated as the most common (14).…”

Key characteristics of basal cell carcinoma with large subclinical extension

“…Some studies also found higher BCC incidence rates in males, while other studies found more BCCs in females when analysed across younger age groups, specific anatomic locations and specific populations. 12,13,[15][16][17][18][19] It is generally thought that men will have more lifetime sun exposure than women, which will increase their risk of developing BCC; men participate in more outdoor sports and occupations, wear less sun protection, have a more significant history of sunburns and are less likely to seek prompt medical care. 12,13,15,16 One study found the depth of tumour invasion of BCC presenting in men to be greater than BCC in women.…”