European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

THE PREVALENCE OF NON MELANOMA SKIN CANCER IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA

Dr. Sudha Vani Damarla, Dr. Padma Akurathi*, Dr. Narasimha Rao Netha G. and Dr. Sudha Rani C.

ABSTRACT

Among all the malignancies in India, cutaneous malignancies constitute less than 2%. These mainly include melanomas and non melanoma conditions. Among non melanotic skin cancers(NMSC), basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are commonly seen. NMSCs are associated with extensive local tissue destruction, morbidity, metastasis and even death. BCC is the commonest cancer with slow growing potential, local destruction, rare metastasis. SCC on the other hand is almost always preceded by premalignant lesions, can metastasize by lymphatics or by hematogenous route. As they account for high rates of mortality and morbidity, early diagnosis and treatment becomes vital. We have conducted this study to assess the prevalence of cutaneous malignancies in Indian population and also to examine the risk factors associated with them.

Keywords: SCC, BCC, sun exposure.