Distribution of Cutaneous Malignancies in Eastern Rajasthan: A Five-Year Study

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous malignancies are rare with respect to other malignancies. The distribution of various histologies of these malignancies is not uniform. We aimed to study the distribution of these malignancies and their epidemiological pattern in Eastern Rajasthan with the data collected from various pathology labs in Jaipur. METHODS: In this retrospective chart review we analysed the data of 453 patients presenting with histopathologically proven cutaneous malignancies to four major pathology departments and labs in Jaipur, Rajasthan. We recorded the distribution of these histologies according to incidence, age of presentation, gender and site predilection. The data was subsequently analysed using statistical methods. RESULTS: Squamous cell carcinoma (36%)was the most common histology which was closely followed by basal cell carcinoma(31%). Malignant melanoma (13%) was the third most common histology to present. Other less common histologies to present were dermatofibrosarcoma, Kaposi sarcoma, non hidgkin lymphoma etc. The age range varied from 14 to 90 years. The mean age of presentation was 54.3 years. Male had a slight preponderance (1.36 times more than females)overall. Except Bcc, which had a female preponderance. Head and neck(38.41%) was the most common site to be affected overall followed by lower limbs(31.56%). INTERPRETATION: The idea of distribution of these rare malignancies in our part of the country will not only help us in proper surgical management but also in educating the public about the possible causes and the need for early intervention leading to better prognosis.