Skin cancer: Epidemiological, clinical and histological aspects in albino and non-albino in Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Abstract

Background: Individuals with phototype VI compared to albinos have a natural protection against the cancerogenic effect of UV rays. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological aspects of skin cancer in albinos and non-albinos. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study over a period of ten years. Data collection was retrospective and exhaustive in five dermatology units and one oncology unit in Yaoundé. Patients having skin cancer and a complete medical file were included in the study. Sociodemographic, epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological variables were studied. Data analysis was performed with SPSS, version 20.0, and Excel 2016. Results: We included 134 patients. The average age was 43.7 ± 12.2 years, with extremes of 15 and 80 years. The sex ratio among the albinos was 1/1.2, and 1/1 among the non-albinos. The western region was the most represented (44%). The time to diagnosis varied from 3 to 64 months. The face, low neckline, and upper limbs were most frequently involved. The most frequent cancers diagnosed after histopathological confirmation in decreasing order were: epidermoid carcinoma, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and Bowen’s disease. Furthermore, the proportion of skin cancer has doubled in ten years. Conclusion: At the end of our study, we are able to say that skin cancers in Yaoundé are more frequent among albinos. Key words: Skin cancer; Albino people; Non-albino people; Carcinoma; Yaoundé; Cameroon