Clinical Epidemiology (Oct 2016)
The Danish Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Dermatology Database
Abstract
Anna Lei Lamberg,1 Henrik Sølvsten,2 Ulrikke Lei,3 Gabrielle Randskov Vinding,3 Ida Marie Stender,4 Gregor Borut Ernst Jemec,5 Tine Vestergaard,6 Henrik Thormann,7 Merete Hædersdal,8 Tomas Norman Dam,9 Anne Braae Olesen10 1Dermatology Clinic, Grenaa, Central Denmark Region, 2Dermatology Clinic, Aalborg, North Denmark Region, 3Department of Dermato-Allergology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, 4Dermatology Clinic, Charlottenlund, Capital Region of Denmark, 5Department of Dermatology, Roskilde Hospital, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Copenhagen, Roskilde, Zealand Region, 6Department of Dermatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, 7Dermatology Clinic, Vejle, Region of Southern Denmark, 8Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, 9Dermatology Clinic, Nykøbing Falster, Zealand Region, 10Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aarhus, Aarhus, Central Denmark Region, Denmark Aim of database: The Danish Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Dermatology Database was established in 2008. The aim of this database was to collect data on nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) treatment and improve its treatment in Denmark. NMSC is the most common malignancy in the western countries and represents a significant challenge in terms of public health management and health care costs. However, high-quality epidemiological and treatment data on NMSC are sparse. Study population: The NMSC database includes patients with the following skin tumors: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease, and keratoacanthoma diagnosed by the participating office-based dermatologists in Denmark. Main variables: Clinical and histological diagnoses, BCC subtype, localization, size, skin cancer history, skin phototype, and evidence of metastases and treatment modality are the main variables in the NMSC database. Information on recurrence, cosmetic results, and complications are registered at two follow-up visits at 3 months (between 0 and 6 months) and 12 months (between 6 and 15 months) after treatment. Descriptive data: In 2014, 11,522 patients with 17,575 tumors were registered in the database. Of tumors with a histological diagnosis, 13,571 were BCCs, 840 squamous cell carcinomas, 504 Bowen's disease, and 173 keratoakanthomas. Conclusion: The NMSC database encompasses detailed information on the type of tumor, a variety of prognostic factors, treatment modalities, and outcomes after treatment. The database has revealed that overall, the quality of care of NMSC in Danish dermatological clinics is high, and the database provides the necessary data for continuous quality assurance. Keywords: nonmelanoma skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, epidemiology, treatment