Primary cutaneous malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cutaneous malignancies are the most common cancers in White populations.
• Their incidence and characteristics in Black populations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, remain under-researched.
• Previous data on cutaneous malignancies in this region are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the epidemiology and types of primary cutaneous malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa.
• To identify management challenges associated with these cancers in the region.
• To provide a baseline for future research and clinical management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of histologically confirmed primary cutaneous malignancies.
• Data collected from 1992 to April 2008 from a Pathology Department.
• Inclusion criteria: patient age, sex, anatomic site, and histologic diagnosis.

Main Results:

• 1900 patients with primary cutaneous malignancies were identified.
• Mean age was 49 years (range: 8 months to 110 years).
• Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type (45%), with 14 types identified overall. Rarer types were also noted.

Conclusions:

• Cutaneous malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa present significant diagnostic and management challenges, including late presentation and access to care.
• Dark skin pigmentation can impede early diagnosis.
• The human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome epidemic may exacerbate the burden of cutaneous malignancies.