Clinical types and characteristics of basal cell carcinoma in Kermanshah province in 2009

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of malignancy that rarely causes death but results in cosmetic problems and is associated with high treatment cost. Clinical characteristics of this cancer are related to the host and environmental factors. Theses factors are specific for each area and may change over the time. The aim of this study was to find clinical characteristics of BCC in Kermanshah city. This cross-sectional study was done on 119 histopathologically documented BCC cases in Haj Dayi skin clinic in Kermanshah in 2009. Demographic data of patients and characteristics of the lesions including their number, location, size and clinical type were recorded. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and chi squared tests. The patients had a total number of 171 BCC lesions. Nodular type encompassed 158 (92.4%) lesions and was the most common clinical form. Pigmented subtype included one third of lesions and was significantly more common in male patients with moderate brown skin and following radiotherapy (P<0.05). The nose was the most common area of involvement and actinic keratosis was the most common associated skin lesion. In this study, the most common clinical and pathological type of BCC was nodular type. It was observed in old patients, those with outdoor jobs and was associated with actinic keratosis. Educational and screening programs for prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and appropriate treatment for high-risk individuals are suggested.