title: Topography of basal cell carcinoma and their correlations with gender, age and histologic pattern: a retrospective study of 1042 lesions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Basal cell carcinoma accounts for 75% of skin cancer. Sun exposure and genetics are related to its etiology. It's expected that biological and behavioral differences provide different patterns of involvement between sexes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the topography of lesions and their correlations with gender, age and histological type.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study of basal cell carcinoma patients treated between 1999 and 2008 in the Skin Cancer Clinic of Santa Casa de Misericordia of Curitiba. We evaluated sex, age, location, histological type, margins commitment, sun exposure and family skin cancer history.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found 1042 lesions in 545 patients (61% women), being more numerous in men (p<0.01). Their ages ranged between 27 and 95 years (median=65). Men had more sun exposure (p<0.01). The lesions were more frequent extra-cephalic recently (p<0.01). The margin involvement was higher in the head (p<0.01). The superficial type was less frequent on the head (p<0.01) and was associated with younger ages in women (p<0.01). The head housed 74% of lesions and the legs 2%. Women had a predilection for the legs, nose and upper lip and men to trunk, ears and scalp (p <0.05). The surgeries in the medial epicanthus and scalp occurred at younger ages (p=0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We identified significant associations between the topography of lesions, gender, age and histological type, demonstrating the possible pathophysiological diversity and differential risk factors operation. In the period studied we found no trend of increase in the proportion of young or women among patients.
authors: Skin Cancer Outpatient Clinic, Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
authors: Cláudia Fernanda Dias
authors: CF
authors: Souza
authors: Emanuela Plech
authors: EP
authors: Thomé
authors: Paula Fatuch
authors: PF
authors: Menegotto
authors: Juliano Vilaverde
authors: JV
authors: Schmitt
authors: José Roberto Toshio
authors: JR
authors: Shibue
authors: Roberto Gomes
authors: RG
authors: Tarlé