[Importance of skin cancer (non-melanoma): a study of 89 cases]

In the present study, 147 skin lesions suggestive of epithelioma are reported, corresponding to 129 patients evaluated in a Dermatologic clinic from the Social Security in Cordoba. In 30 lesions biopsy could not be performed owing to patient's refusal. Out of the remaining 117, 89 corresponded to epitheliomas (68 basal-cell epitheliomas and 21 squamous-cell epitheliomas). The incidence was 55.4/100 000/year, with a proportion of basal-cell epitheliomas of 3:1. The higher rate was found in males older than 50 years, peasants and with previous exposure to sun. The most common localization was the nose and malar region for basal-cell epitheliomas and the lower lip for squamous-cell epitheliomas. It is concluded that early diagnosis of skin and mucosal epitheliomas is important owing to their frequent morbidity. In addition, the need for a higher suspicion index both in the population and the general practitioners is emphasized.