Clinicopathological analysis of basal cell carcinoma – A retrospective study

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study was to analyze the demographic profile, histopathological features, risk factors, and recurrence rates in patients with basal cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from 2012 to October 2018 in 29 patients with histopathologically confirmed basal cell carcinoma. All the patients had undergone either excision or cryotherapy as per the institution protocol. Information on the history of the disease, occupation, history of sun exposure and clinical and histopathological features were collected and analyzed. Results: A female preponderance was found (n = 18, 62.1%), majority of the patients were unemployed (44.8%), 19 patients (65.5%) gave a history of sun exposure, and the nose was the most common site of disease. Ten females (34.5%) did not have any excessive exposure to the sun, but gave a history of exposure to heat and fumes in the kitchen. Six patients (20.7%) had a preexisting nevus at the same site and superficial spreading type was the most common histopathological type (n = 24, 82.8%). Excision gave the best result. Four patients (13.8%) had recurrence of the disease. Limitations: Small sample size was the major limitation. The risk factors and occupation could not be analyzed objectively. Conclusion: This is a pioneer study from Kerala. A female preponderance (62.1%) was observed. The role of heat, fumes, type of oven, and use of reheated oil in cooking as risk factors for the development of BCC needs analysis in future studies. Superficial spreading type was the most common pattern observed in histopathology slides (82.8%). Excision gives near-complete clearance and a good cosmetic result with less risk of recurrence.