Skin Cancer Among Patients at a Major University Hospital in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study

Skin cancer has two major types: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Melanoma is less prevalent than non-melanoma skin cancers but remains clinically significant due to its aggressive biological behavior. Numerous factors might increase an individual's possibility of developing skin cancer. In addition to not being common, there are regional variations in the prevalence of skin cancer within Saudi Arabia.

This study was conducted to describe the frequency, distribution, and clinical presentation of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers among university hospital patients in Saudi Arabia.

This retrospective study targeted adult patients diagnosed with any type of skin cancer at a major university hospital between 2016 and 2023. Data were collected from electronic medical records and then analyzed.

A total of 91 patients diagnosed with skin cancer were included. Among them, 87 patients (95.6%) had primary skin cancer while 4 were recurrent. Non-melanoma basal cell carcinoma was the most prevalent subtype, affecting 49 patients (53.8%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma in 31 patients (34.1%). Most skin cancer cases (67%) were located on the head or face. Twenty-six patients (29%) presented to the hospital 36 months after the initial appearance of the lesion.

This study provides valuable information about the clinical outcomes of skin cancer, highlighting that non-melanoma basal cell carcinoma was the most common type. It also indicates that many patients delay seeking medical advice, emphasizing the importance of raising public awareness regarding skin cancer prevention and early recognition to reduce morbidity and mortality.