Pilot epidemiological study of basal cell carcinoma in Melaka

Abstract

Background: This study was conceptualized to be a stepping stone for analysis of BCC in Melaka.
 Aims and Objective: To analyse the incidence of BCC in Melaka and analyse the distribution of age, gender, ethnicity, localization of lesion and treatment done.
 Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis on patients who were diagnosed and treated for BCC was conducted in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital Melaka from January 2013 until March 2019.
 Result: There were 152 patients diagnosed with BCCs (N=152) involving 80 women (52.6%) and 72 men (47.4%) over the study period. The patients were aged between 18–92 years with average age for women were 66.2 years and 66.1 tears for men. The majority of cases, 134 (88.2%) were located on the head and neck region. The most common ethnic group to be affected by BCC is the Chinese with 78 (51.3%) followed by Malays at 72 (47.4%) and 1 (0.7%) for Indians and 1 (0.7%) for other minor ethnic group. There were 89 (58.6%) patients underwent excision only whilst 63 (41.4%) patients underwent excision with reconstruction either with skin grafting or local flap.
 Conclusion: Basal cell carcinoma is a common cutaneous malignancy. The local demographics of patients with BCC in Melaka are similar to that in the literature. We hope with the data provided, it will facilitate better outcome treatment of BCC not just in our local setting but elsewhere worldwide.