Prevalence of premalignant and malignant skin lesions in oculocutaneous albinism patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Oculocutaneous albinism describes a group of pigmentary disorders that lead to skin sensitivity and predisposition to skin malignances. Aims: To analyze clinical and epidemiological data in oculocutaneous albinism patients and to determine the prevalence of malignant skin lesions, assessing possible risk factors for skin cancer. METHODS: Cross-sectional study evaluating epidemiological data, habits of sun exposure and sun protection, and clinical examination of albino patients followed in a reference dermatology outpatient clinic in Brasil. Our primary outcome was the occurrence of malignant skin lesions in biopsied tissues. RESULTS: Of 74 patients analyzed, 11 (15%) had one or more suspicious lesions and were biopsied, of which 8 (72.7%) patients presented with basal cell carcinomas, 7 (63.3%) presented with squamous cell carcinoma, and 1 (9%) presented with melanoma. Moreover, 32(43%) patients presented with actinic keratosis. Age, female gender, previous history of sunburn, history of malignant lesions and history of sun exposure without photoprotection were associated with the presence of malignant lesions. Limitations: Unicentric, non-aleatory sample. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of malignant and pre-malignant lesions in this population. Some potentially modifiable risk factors were associated with the occurrence of malignant skin lesions.