Skin cancer in Tunisia: a retrospective study: 1379 cases and risk factors

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and epidemiological aspects of skin cancer in Tunisia. METHODS: we analysed the clinical files of all cases of skin cancer registrated at the ISA institute between 1975 and 1984. RESULTS: 1379 cases of skin cancer were referred to ISA, representing 9.02% of all cancer cases referred to the institute during the same period. Basal cell carcinoma (CBC) was the most frequent type (57.5%) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (CSC): 32.6% and melanomas: 4%. The sex ratio was 1.7 with a mean age of 61 years in men and 60 years in women. The face was the most frequent involved sites in CBC (92%). This region is usually exposed to the sun. The distribution of CSC in the body was different. The lesions were multiple in 11% of the cases. 13.7% of the CSC were developped on a burn scar. 21 cases were radio-induced and 45 patients had a xeroderma pigmentosum. CONCLUSION: skin cancer is relatively frequent in Tunisia. However, our incidence is inferior to other countries. Sun exposure is the main risk factor.