A Histological Analysis Of Malignant Tumours Of Skin In University Of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To describe the demographic characteristics and anatomical distribution of skin malignancy as seen at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed cases of skin cancer diagnosed between January 1991 and December 2000 in the Histopathology Department of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Results: A total of 313 cases of skin malignancy were histopathogically diagnosed. The male, female ratio was 1:5.1 and the peak age incidence was in 6th decades of life. The non-melanoma, skin cancer (squamous cells carcinoma) was the commonest epidermal malignancy and accounted for 148 (47.3%). Kaposi's sarcoma was the commonest cutaneous sarcoma with 49 (15.7%) and all the cases were of melanomas were diagnosed above the age of 40 years and all occurred on the leg and foot. The lower limb (leg and foot) was the mutual site of skin malignancy, which accounted for 160 (51.1%). Childhood skin cancers are rare. Conclusion: Skin cancer is not uncommon among the black population. Nigerians suffer from late presentation of the disease. The incidence of skin cancer can be prevented or reduced through public health education or early diagnosis of skin lesion and prompt medical treatment. Key words: Skin Malignancy, Epidermal, Cutaneous. Highland Medical Research Journal Vol.1(2) 2002: 38-40