Frequency of different histopathological varieties of cutaneous malignant neoplastic lesions diagnosed in an anatomopathological laboratory in the city of Rosario

Abstract

Introduction: The skin, like any organ, can be affected by genetic and environmental factors, generating neoplasms or new cell formations. These can be benign, premalignant or malignant. Cutaneous malignant tumors present different histological types, which implies different prognoses and evolution. Distinguishing them is essential for adequate clinical and prognostic management. Materials and Methods: This study describes the frequency of histopathological varieties of cutaneous malignant neoplasms diagnosed in an anatomopathological laboratory in Rosario, Argentina, between 2016 and 2021. It is a quantitative, descriptive, observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study. Laboratory biopsies were analyzed, selecting those with diagnoses of cutaneous malignant neoplasms. Results and discussion: 1,320 samples from 1,288 patients with cutaneous malignant tumors were analyzed, basal cell carcinoma the most frequent variant, followed by squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma and Bowen's disease. Women younger than 60 years and men older than 60 years were the most affected. Lesions were mostly on the face, thorax and head, except for malignant melanoma, which mainly affected the thorax and lower limbs. Conclusion: Cutaneous malignant neoplasms were common in the sample studied, with an average of four diagnoses per week. In contrast to international studies, the frequency of these malignant neoplasms was higher than in other countries.