Management and Clinico-Pathologic Aspects of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck: A Retrospective Institutional Based Study at the Egyptian National Cancer Institute

Abstract

Background: Reviewing and analyzing the Clinico - pathologic aspects of non-melanoma skin cancer of the head and neck (NMSCHN), type of management, prognostic factors, and disease - free survival (DFS) in a period of 5 years at the National Cancer Institute — Cairo University — Egypt. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of two hundred patients with NMSCHN was treated at the National Cancer Institute — Cairo University — Egypt from January 2008 to December 2012. The mean follow-up was 6 months (1 - 84 months). Results: 117 males and 83 females with 90% ≥ 50 years old. The scalp (27.5%), the periorbital region (13%), the cheek (12.5%) and the nose (12.5%) are the main anatomical sites affected. BCC represented 71.5% with nodular type (79%) predominance; SCC represented 21% with GII (61.1%) the commonest grade. Surgery was the main modality of treatment (93%) with local flaps only (6 3.9 %) and pri mar y closure (14. 7 %) were the main surgical options following wide local excision. Positive and close margins were detected in 23.5% of excised specimens. No significant association was found between disease - free survival (DFS) and pathology, treatment modality, the occurrence of complications or safety margin status. Conclusion: NMSCHN lesions should be surgically excised in specialized high volume centers with readily available peripheral margin control and should be operated by senior experienced surgeons.