Non-melanoma skin cancer: A study on the epidemiological profile and flow at HC-UFMG

Abstract

Introduction: Keratinocyte, basal cell, and squamous cell carcinomas are the main types of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Although they do not represent a high risk of mortality, these neoplasms have a significant impact on public health, causing aesthetic and functional damage, especially in areas constantly exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, and face. Surgery is an established approach in the treatment of NMSC. The present study aims to outline an epidemiological profile of patients undergoing surgery for the treatment of NMSC by the plastic surgery service of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Method: A descriptive epidemiological study was carried out at the Borges da Costa Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas of UFMG between March and August 2023. A form was developed for data collection, covering variables relevant to the epidemiological analysis. Results: The sample of 26 patients had a mean age of 69 years, with a predominance of white patients (88.4%). The lesions were most frequent on the nose (53.8%), lateral middle third of the face (20.5%), and forehead (12.8%). Regarding the margin, 55.8% had free margins, 41.1% had compromised margins, and 2.9% had narrow margins. Conclusion: The results highlight the need to systematize the care flow for patients with NMSC, aiming at a more effective compilation and evaluation. In addition, the epidemiological peculiarities of the patients treated could be identified and evaluated through the proposed form, providing insights for improvements in the care and management of non-melanoma skin cancer in the hospital.

Keywords

• skin neoplasms
• carcinoma, basal cell
• plastic surgery procedures
• epidemiologic studies
• carcinoma, squamous cell