ABSTRACT
Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in the world, and carries a high rate of morbidity but low rate of mortality with the exception of malignant melanoma, which has a high mortality rate. In recent decades, incidence of skin cancers has been increased. The most important risk factors are sunlight and skin type. This study was performed to evaluate the demographic characteristics of skin cancers in Mashhad. This cross-sectional study was performed on 2786 cases of skin cancer from the archive of the pathology department of Qaem hospital in a twenty-year period [1975-1995]. Sex, age and localization of lesions in all registered cases were studied. Frequency of three common skin cancers in 2786 cases were basal cell carcinoma [BCC] 1606 [57.7%], squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] 562 [20.3%], malignant melanoma [MM] 122 [4.5%] and skin metastasis 96 cases [3.5%]. Ratio of BCC/SCC was 2.85/1. BCC, SCC and MM were more common in men, and BCC, SCC, MM and skin sarcoma were most commonly observed in the sixth decade. Median of age in BCC, SCC and MM was 54 +/- 15.9, 56 +/- 15.4 and 53 +/- 14.7 years; respectively. Ninety-three percent of BCC and 74% of SCC lesions were located on head and neck region and lower limb was the most common site of melanoma and skin sarcoma. Frequency of BCC, SCC and skin metastasis was similar to reports from other countries, but ratio of malignant melanoma to non-melanoma skin cancers [NMSC] was 50% lower than other studies. The median age in BCC was 54 years, which was lower than other studies. The most common sites of NMSC were in sun exposed areas which can emphasize the role of sunlight in the etiology of skin cancers