Five-year Analysis of Head and Neck Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Incidence, Demographics, and Site Distribution in a Tertiary Care Center
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) represent a significant global public health burden, particularly in high-income countries. The increasing incidence of head and neck NMSC contributes to rising morbidity and necessitates multi-disciplinary management. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the incidence, demographic distribution, histological subtypes, and seasonal variation of NMSC over a five-year period at a tertiary center in Romania. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2024, including 180 patients diagnosed and treated for malignant skin lesions. Data were extracted from clinical and histopathological records. Chi-square tests assessed seasonal distribution, and Mann-Whitney U tests compared lesion depth and surface area between demographic groups. Results: A total of 388 malignant lesions were recorded. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was the most common subtype (n = 168), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n = 25). Most patients resided in urban areas, particularly Bucharest. Males presented with significantly deeper lesions (mean: 1.5 mm) compared to females (mean: 1.25 mm; p = 0.009). Seasonal analysis revealed a significant variation in incidence, with the lowest number of cases in spring (χ² = 10.31, p = 0.016). Conclusion: The incidence of malignant skin lesions increased from 2020 to 2023, followed by a decline in 2024. Seasonal and sex-related differences were observed, with the face being the most frequent site of involvement. While the sex distribution was relatively balanced, males exhibited significantly greater lesion depths compared to females.
Authors: Marian Moga, Mihai Dumitru, Iulian A. Taciuc, Gabriela Musat, Daniela Vrinceanu, Simona R. Georgescu, Adrian Costache, Daniel O. Costache, Adina Z. C. Anton
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413660637