title: Skin cancer in black patients.
abstract: Skin cancer is rare in black patients. The clinical course and pathology of 58 cases are presented and reviewed. These include 38 squamous cell carcinomas, 13 malignant melanomas, and 7 basal cell carcinomas. Sixty-one percent of the squamous cell carcinomas developed in unexposed areas, with sunlight exposure apparently not being an important etiologic factor. Forty-one percent of the squamous cell carcinomas had predisposing factors such as burn scars or chronic infection. Squamous cell carcinoma in black patients is an aggressive disease, with 29% developing regional lymph node metastasis, and a mortality of 29%. Malignant melanomas occurred most frequently on the plantar surface of the foot (76%). Melanoma is also a virulent tumor in black patients, with 11 of 13 patients developing lymph node metastasis and only 2 patients surviving. Skin cancer in black patients presents a very different clinical picture than that seen in white patients. It is important that these factors be considered when planning therapy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044383:Black People; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D013472:Sunlight