CLINICO EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF SKIN & ORAL CANCERS AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING NATIONAL CANCER CENTER IN ADEN /YEMEN: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Cancer is a leading causes of death globally, with skin and oral cancer representing significant public health challenges. Epidemiological data from Yemen regarding these malignancies are limited. This study aims to provide data on the incidence, patterns, and clinic-epidemiological characteristics of malignant skin and oral tumors diagnosed by biopsy at National Cancer Center in Aden /Yemen, over five years (2020 to 2024). A retrospectively analytical study was con-ducted reviewing all histopathologically confirmed cases of skin and oral cancer (Excluding pharyngeal cancer) registered at archive of National Cancer Center, Aden, from January 2020 to December 2024. Demographic data, histopathological types and lesions sites were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 15. Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between categorical variables, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Of 7961 total cancer cases registered during the study period, 156 (1.9 %) were skin and oral cancers. Skin cancer constituted 43 cases (0.5% of total cancers), while oral cancer comprised 113 cases (1.4%). Of total 156, males predominated (93 cases, 59.6%) with a male –to female ratio of 1.5:1. The most affected age group was 41-60 years (70 cases, 44.9%) followed by 61-80 years (47 cases, 30.1%). Mean age was 56.4±16.3 years (range: 19-96 years). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most common malignancy (127 cases, 81.4%), including one SCC in situ (0.6%), (106 cases, 67.9%) in oral cavity, followed by basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (9 cases, 5.7%), malignant melanoma (MM) (7 cases, 4.5%), lymphoma (4 cases, 2.5%) and kaposi sarcoma (3 cases, 1.9%). The head and neck region, including oral cavity, was the most site (137 cases, 87.1%). Among oral cancers, tongue was the predominant location (72 case, 46.2%). Annual case numbers ranged from 44 (28.2%) in 2020 to 21 (13.5 %) in 2024. This study provides epidemiological data on skin and oral cancers in southern, Yemen. SCC predominates, with an apparent increase in SCC compared to previous regional studies. The findings highlight the need for further research into etiological factors and implement implementation of awareness programs, preventive measures and treatment strategies.