Basal cell carcinoma in blacks: a report of 15 cases.

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.