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Malignant Skin Tumours in Jos University Teaching Malignant Skin Tumours in Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria (Hospital Based Study)


B. M. Mandong
K. S. Orkar
A. Z. Sule
N. L. Dakum

Abstract



Background: The incidence of melanoma has been on the increase in Australia and Asia but in Africa, many skin cancers arise from chronic ulcers and burns.


Methods: A retrospective histopathologic study of malignant skin tumours seen at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria in 5 years.


Results: A total of 128 malignant skin tumours were recorded during the period. Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 51.2%, malignant melanoma, 24.2% and Kaposi's sarcoma 10.9%. Other tumours included fibrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma and skin adnexal tumours. Skin cancer occurred in a younger age group compared to developed countries. The tumours presented either as nodular growth or non-healing, long-standing ulcers with an average duration of 5 - 10 years. This is in contrast to Europe where the duration of ulcer is 30 - 40 years.


Conclusion: Skin cancers are not uncommon in our environment. Early treatment of ulcers, including grafting may improve the quality of life in these patients.

(Nig J Surg Res 2001;3:29-33)



KEY WORDS:

Skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, Jos

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eISSN: 1595-1103