Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Biography

Background: Skin malignancy rank among the most common malignancies involving both sexes. Basal cell carcinoma is reported as the commonest malignancy even though studies have implicated Squamous cell carcinoma as the commonest especially in the tropic regions of the world.

Aims and objectives: This study aims at determining the frequency and patterns of malignant skin tumors in Nnewi, Nigeria.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study from 2008 to 2017 (10 years) of histologic slides and records belonging to patients presenting to this hospital.

Results: A total of 312 skin biopsies were received in the Histopathology department during the study period. Out of these, 77 cases were malignant skin lesions (24.7%). The commonest skin malignancy was Squamous cell carcinoma, accounting for (n=34; 44.2%). Melanoma constituted the second majority of the cases (n=21; 27.3%). This is closely followed by basal cell carcinoma, accounting for (n=20; 26.0%). Other malignant skin tumors seen are: Malignant acrospiroma (n=1; 1.3%) and Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (n=1; 1.3%).

It was also discovered that 47 (61%) out of 77 malignant cases were males, while 30 (39%) of them were females, therefore the male: female is 2:1.3.The mean age of those with malignant skin tumors is 59.4 years. It was observed that patients of ≥60 years constitute 48.1% while patients <30years of age constitute 5.6% of those with malignant skin tumors.

Conclusion: The frequencies of different morphological pattern are different from those reported in western countries. However, it is similar to a work done in a Midwestern Nigeria tertiary hospital.

Abstract

Abstract : Review of malignant skin tumors in Nnewi, South-East, Nigeria