Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A 7-year Review

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rare in sub-Saharan Africa. In Senegal, its prevalence was estimated at 0.09% in 2004. It occurs most frequently in pre-neoplastic acquired or genetic dermatoses. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of SCC, and to identify associated risk factors. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in the Oncology Department at the Joliot Curie Institute of the Aristide Le Dantec Hospital over a 7-year period (January 2015 to December 2021). We included all patients hospitalized and followed up for SCC. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. Data entry and analysis were performed using epi-info software version 7.2.5.0 and Excel 365. Results: We recorded 189 cases of SCC, representing an incidence of 24 cases per year and a hospital frequency of 0.77%. The mean age was 51 and the sex ratio 1.28. The ulcero-budding form was predominant in 67.2% of cases. The majority of lesions were located on the lower limbs (30.6%) and 28.4% on the cephalic extremity. Squamous cell carcinoma was well-differentiated in 49.2%. Metastases were present in 40.2%. Pre-neoplastic dermatoses were noted in 28.6%. These were burn scars in 43%, chronic ulcer in 23.39%, discoid lupus in 2%, Buschke Lowenstein tumor in 4%. Geno dermatoses included albinism in 6 cases and xeroderma pigmentosum in one. Voluntary use of depigmenting cosmetics was noted in 11 cases. Patients underwent surgery in 32.3%, radiotherapy in 8.5% and chemotherapy in 32.8%. Favorable progression was in 20.6%. Recurrence was noted in 2 cases, metastasis in 3 and death in 5. Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma remains a serious tumor in Africa. There is a delay in diagnosis, with some tumors being very advanced. Early surgical management is the main factor in curing the cancer.