1- Department of Dermatology, Afzalipour Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
2- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Abstract: (724 Views)
Background: Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are among the most prevalent malignancies globally. Investigating their characteristics and treatment-related outcomes can significantly contribute to optimizing management strategies including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of NMSCs and the complications following surgical treatment (such as necrosis and bleeding).
Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted to investigate the features of patients initially diagnosed with NMSC (confirmed by histopathological examination of the lesion) at dermatology ward of Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, between 2018 and 2021. Inclusion criteria were definitive diagnosis (based on the result of pathology) of an NMSC and undergoing surgical management. Exclusion criteria included incomplete patient records. Relevant data were extracted and recorded using a data collection form. Finally, all collected information was statistically analyzed according to the study objectives, and the overall frequency of NMSC surgeries, as well as their frequency based on study variables, was reported descriptively.
Results: A total of 37 NMSC surgeries were performed. The majority were basal cell carcinomas located on the face. Over half of the patients were male, and most had underlying medical conditions despite lacking common risk factors such as smoking and sun exposure. The most common flap techniques used were rotational flap, island pedicle flap, and H-plasty flap. Two complications were observed: one case of bleeding at the surgical site and one case of wound edge necrosis, both occurring one week post-operation.
Conclusion: In the southeastern region of Iran, NMSCs requiring surgical treatment showed a lower prevalence than anticipated. However, their pathological and demographic characteristics were consistent with global observations. The incidence of post-surgical complications was also low. Nevertheless, future studies with larger sample sizes in this region and across the country are recommended to enhance the reliability of these findings.
Type of Study:
Original Article |