A 13-year histopathological review of skin cancers in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

This was a retrospective histopathological study aimed at determining the prevalence and histological pattern of skin cancer in Maiduguri North-Eastern Nigeria over a thirteen-year period. Skin cancer formed 14% of all cancers seen during the study period (1990-2002). There were more males than females at a ratio of 1.5:1. The peak age incidence occurred in the fourth, fifth and sixth decades of life. The commonest site affected was the lower limbs (56.2%) followed by the trunk (13.4%). The commonest histological type was squamous cell carcinoma (48.9%) followed by melanoma (20.6%). Kaposi's sarcoma affected patients more frequently in their 3rd decade of life. Other cancers also occurred but less frequently.


Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(3) 2004: 92-94