The skin color groups have a reduced incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers; however, there have been reports of higher morbidity and death. There was little published information on non-melanoma skin malignancies in Native Americans. For a study, researchers sought to assess the features of non-melanoma skin malignancies (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) in Native American patients who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery from January 2015 to August 2020 at a single academic facility.
They undertook a retrospective review research. About 26 individuals with 28 tumors were found, including 16 basal cell carcinomas (94% nodular) and 12 squamous cell carcinomas (92% well-differentiated). Squamous cell carcinomas, averaged 563mm2 in size (the most common type of tumor), and 350mm2 in size (basal cell carcinomas).
For 75% of tumors, clearance was accomplished in a single stage. Two squamous cell carcinoma patients experienced recurrence. No mortality was noted, despite the restricted follow-up. Few Native American patients with non-melanoma skin cancer had Mohs micrographic surgery. While basal cell carcinomas were often nodular, squamous cell tumors were bigger and had a reduced risk. Three months on average, passed between the biopsy and Mohs micrographic surgery.
Additional research was required to understand non-melanoma skin malignancies in Native Americans better and to pinpoint obstacles to early treatment.
Reference: escholarship.org/uc/item/6zj64826
