Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Analysis of 197 female scalp tumors treated with Mohs micrographic surgery.

Katz TM, Silapunt S, Goldberg LH, Jih MH, Kimyai-Asadi A

DermSurgery Associates, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

BACKGROUND: There has been no previously published study on skin cancers on the scalp of women. OBJECTIVES: To better elucidate the characteristics of skin cancers that develop on the female scalp. METHODS: A retrospective review of 13,885 biopsy-proven skin cancers treated by Mohs micrographic surgery was performed. We identified 197 tumors on the scalp of women. Demographic features and tumor characteristics were compiled and analyzed. RESULTS: The average age of women with scalp tumors was 61.8 +/- 16.9, which was significantly lower than that of men with scalp tumors. The age followed a bimodal distribution with peaks in the fifth and eighth decades. Overall, 77% of female scalp tumors were basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), 17% were squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and 6% were a variety of other tumors. This contrasts with men in whom 53% of tumors were squamous cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinomas were significantly more common in women under age 50. CONCLUSION: Skin cancers of the female scalp tend to be basal cell carcinomas, many of which occur at a relatively young age as compared to other skin cancers. The exact role of ultraviolet radiation in the development of some of these tumors is unclear.

Published 4 February 2005 in J Am Acad Dermatol, 52(2): 291-4.
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