Basal cell carcinoma of trunk and extremities

Background Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy in Caucasians. Information about basal cell carcinoma in the Mexican population is scarce. Objective To determine the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics and treatment results of basal cell carcinoma located on the trunk and extremities of patients seen at the Institute Nacional de Cancerología of Mexico. Methods A retrospective study was performed of patients with confirmed diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma located on the trunk and extremities seen at the Institute Nacional de Cancerología of Mexico between 1966 and 1993. Results Ninety-one patients with basal cell carcinoma located on the trunk and extremities were found (6% of all patients with diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma). The median age was 64 years; 52% of the patients were women and 48% were men. A total of 119 basal cell carcinomas at these locations were diagnosed. The size of the skin tumor ranged from 0.3 to 22 cm (mean, 3.9 cm). Treatment results were evaluated in 62 patients (follow-up ranged from 24 to 240 months; mean, 80 months). Overall tumor control was accomplished in 95% of cases. Three patients died as a result of basal cell carcinoma. Conclusions Basal cell carcinoma in the Mexican population is not as infrequent as previously thought, although it is less commonly located on the trunk and extremities than in Caucasians.