Epidemiology of Surgical Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck in Greece

BACKGROUND Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) constitutes the most common malignancy in Caucasians. Epidemiological data derive, mainly, from studies in the United States, Australia, and Northern Europe, whereas data from Mediterranean Europe are scarce. OBJECTIVE To provide information on the epidemiology of surgically treated NMSC of the head and neck in the region of Thrace, Northern Greece, and to evaluate the surgical treatment given. METHODS A retrospective review of patients surgically treated from 2004 to 2006 was conducted. Data on demographics, histology and skin cancer characteristics, and treatment efficacy and recurrence rate were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS One hundred seventy-nine NMSCs of the head and neck were excised and histopathologically confirmed in 160 patients, with the majority (58.7%) classified as Fitzpatrick skin type III. Histology included 125 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and 54 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). The mean age was 70.6 +/- 10.1 (range 38-97). Tumor size ranged between 2 and 50 mm. Excision with 5-mm margins was performed in every case, and the defects were closed mainly using local flaps. Incomplete excision was limited to 3.9% of cases, and the recurrence rate was 1.7%. The study revealed similar characteristics between BCC and SCC regarding age and sex but significant differences in terms of location and size. CONCLUSIONS Surgical resection achieves a satisfactory NMSC clearance rate in the head and neck. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.