ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and epidemiological aspects of skin cancer in Tunisia. We analysed the clinical files of all cases of skin cancer registrated at the ISA institute between 1975 and 1984. 1379 cases of skin cancer were referred to ISA, representing 9.02%of all cancer cases referred to the institute during the same period. Basal cell carcinoma [CBC] was the most frequent type [57.5%] followed by squamous cell carcinoma [CSC]: 32.6%and melanomas: 4%. The sex ratio was 1.7 with a mean age of 61 years in men and 60 years in women. The face was the most frequent involved sites in CBC [92%]. This region is usually exposed to the sun. The distribution of CSC in the body was different. The lesions were multiple in 11%of the cases. 13.7%of the CSC were developped on a burn scar. 21 cases were radio-induced and 45 patients had a xeroderma pigmentosum. Skin cancer is relatively frequent in Tunisia. However, our incidence is inferior to other countries. Sun exposure is the main risk factor