Skin cancer in a public tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines from 2015 to 2019: A retrospective study
- Author:
Aizlynn Anne J. Robledo
1
;
Krisinda Clare C. Dim-Jamora
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Skin Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Melanoma
- From: Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2022;31(2):31-40
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:The true incidence of skin cancer, as well as the clinico-demographic and histopathologic profile of skin cancer patients in the
Philippines, has not been established. To the authors’ knowledge, no similar studies have been published in recent years.
Objectives:To determine the clinico-demographic and histopathologic characteristics of histopathologically-proven skin cancer Filipino pa- tients in a Philippine public tertiary hospital.
Methods:This study included 121 patients with histopathologically-proven skin cancers from January 2015 to December 2019 in the dermatology and pathology departments of a public tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Retrospective chart review and descriptive data analysis were conducted for this study.
Results:Of the 121 cases, the common skin cancers included basal cell carcinoma (54%), squamous cell carcinoma (27%), cutaneous lymphoma (7%), and melanoma (6%). The mean age was 63 ±16 years. There was a slight female preponderance (56%). The most commonly affected area was the head and neck region (73%). Most cases (54%) were clinically diagnosed by dermatologists, while the remaining patients were seen by non-derma-tologists. Thus, the concordance between clinical diagnosis and histopathologic confirmation was 62% in basal cell carcinoma, 50% in cutaneous lymphoma, 29% in melanoma, and 24% in squamous cell carcinoma. Overall, the skin cancer lesions amongst the patients were significant at the time of diagnosis, with a median length of 20 mm and a median width of 18.5 mm.
Conclusion:Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer (54%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (27%). The head and neck was the most commonly affected region at 73%. Due to the low concordance of clinical and histopathologic confirmation, referral to a dermatologist is necessary to improve clinical accuracy. In the public tertiary hospital setting, whole-body skin examination should be a part of the initial derma- tology screening to catch small skin cancers. A system to ensure regular follow-up of skin cancer patients should be initiated to optimize early detection of recurrence and subsequent treatment as necessary. - Full text:jpds 44.pdf
