Early-onset basal cell carcinoma; wide case series at a single tertiary center in middle Anatolia

OBJECTIVE: Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is prevalent in the older population, it can be rarely seen in younger people. This study aims to investigate the risk factors and characteristics of BCC in young patients. METHODS: Pathology reports in a single tertiary care institution between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients under the age of 35 who were diagnosed with BCC were included for the analysis. Data were gathered from medical records and pathology reports. Demographic characteristics, accompanying pathologies, and clinical findings of these patients were analyzed. RESULTS: There were a total of 32 patients in our cohort. Out of 32 patients, 20 were female and 12 were male. One male patient and five female patients were younger than 18. An accompanying risk factor (Gorlin syndrome, XP, renal transplantation, etc.) was present in six patients. There were no known additional diseases or risk factors in 26 patients. Metastasis and recurrence were not reported in any of our patients. Contrary to the information in the literature, the patients with BCC at a young age were not found more aggressive in our study. CONCLUSION: Contrary to the information in the literature, the patients with BCC at a young age were not found more aggressive in our study. Understanding the risk factors associated with BCC is essential for designing prevention strategies and favoring early diagnosis. Awareness of early-onset BCC aids in early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Therefore, BCC should be in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions in the young population. In addition, when we encounter early-onset BCC, we should not forget the accompanying risk factors and syndromes.