Basal cell carcinoma. An epidemiologic study in a defined population.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in a defined population is unknown.


METHODS
The incidence of histologically diagnosed cases of BCC in a defined population of a city in southern Sweden was studied. Four 2-year periods were examined from 1970 to 1986. Cases from 1970 and 1980 were reexamined microscopically.


RESULTS
From 1970 to 1986, the age-standardized incidence of BCC was doubled. BCC was equally common in male and female patients. It was possible to trace another BCC in the medical history of 41% of the patients. The risk of development of BCC increased rapidly with age greater than 55 years. Approximately two-thirds of the tumors were found in the head and neck region. There was a possible increase in superficial multicentric tumors on the trunk but otherwise an essentially unchanged pattern in type and distribution.


CONCLUSIONS
The age-standardized incidence of histologically diagnosed BCC was doubled from 1970 to 1986. The rapid increase should be taken into consideration when planning allocation of medical resources.
Dahl
E
E
Department of Plastic Surgery, Allmänna Sjukhuset, Malmö, Sweden.
Aberg
M
M
Rausing
A
A
Rausing
E L
EL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors