Chorun L, Norris J E, Gupta M
Department of Family Practice, University of Missouri-Kansas City Medical Center.
Ann Plast Surg. 1994 Jul;33(1):90-5. doi: 10.1097/00000637-199407000-00019.
We report 15 cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in black patients seen in an office practice over a 15-year period. Review of the literature supports our view that nonmelanoma skin cancer in blacks is more prevalent than generally thought. The major etiological factor in BCC development is exposure to ultraviolet light. Skin pigmentation, however, provides some degree of protection. We suggest that BCC development in blacks and in nonexposed areas in whites may represent a different pathogenesis from BCC caused by ultraviolet light exposure.
