Clinico-pathologic profile of skin cancers in oculocutaneous albinism at Universitas Academic Hospital.

BACKGROUND

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a genetic disorder found worldwide. Skin cancer is a significant risk for people with albinism, particularly in Africa, where it is a major cause of death. Many patients delay seeking medical care until their skin lesions are in advanced stages.

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe the clinico-pathological profile of skin cancers in patients with albinism at their initial presentation to our dermatology outpatient department.

SETTING

This study was conducted at the dermatology department of Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study covering June 2009 to July 2019 was conducted. Only records of oculo-cutaneous albinism patients diagnosed with skin cancer during their initial visit were included.

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients with albinism were recorded, 37% ( = 32) of whom had skin cancer at their first visit. Females (81%) were more affected than males (19%). The majority of skin cancers were squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) (54%) and basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) (46%). No melanomas were found. Most SCCs were classified as aggressive (80.4%), compared to 30.8% of BCCs.

CONCLUSION

Almost 40% of OCA patients presented with skin cancer at their initial visit, highlighting the need for strengthening primary healthcare systems' efficiency in ensuring early referrals for OCA patients.

CONTRIBUTION

Education, socioeconomic support and awareness campaigns are actionable factors that could help encourage early medical evaluation for all OCA patients.