Lateralisation of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas: A UK retrospective cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) show asymmetrical distribution in a UK cohort, and to identify further patterns through subgroup analysis. Records of patients with biopsy-confirmed BCC or SCC at Addenbrookes Hospital, UK in 2018–2019, were reviewed retrospectively (5153 BCC, 1728 SCC) . Lesions on the face/scalp regions were included; midline or unclear lesions were excluded. Chi-squared or Fisher's Exact Tests assessed distribution differences. 2908 BCCs and 832 SCCs in the non-midline facial/scalp region in 2018–2019 were included. Statistically significantly more right-sided BCCs were observed in 2018 and 2018/19 (in 2018–19: 52% right, 48% left, p=0.01), whilst statistically significantly more right-sided SCCs were observed in 2019 and 2018/19 (in 2018–19: 54% right, 46% left, p=0.032). As right-sided predominance was found for both lesion types and several further subgroups in this UK cohort, these findings could contribute to the emerging literature on skin cancer laterality associated with driving side. Further data collection and adjustment for confounding factors could strengthen these conclusions, emphasising an important public health message on sun protection when driving.