Survival and Recurrence in Non-melanoma Skin Cancers of scalp

Abstract Introduction: Non-melanoma scalp skin cancers (NMSCs) including squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are common. To manage such cancers, especially SCCs, more attention should be paid to their invasive characteristics. Mortality surveillance of SCCs and BCCs of scalp helps to choose proper approaches. Methods: The current retrospective, descriptive study was conducted on 723 patients with NMSCs of scalp according to their epidemiologic and clinical manifestations. Invasive extended tumor (IET) are defined as aggressive SCCs and BCCs, which affect survival of patients. Therapies categorized in patients, and all the gathered data were analyzed. Results: The 723 patients including 228 SCCs and 495 BCCs were evaluated in two compatible groups. Lymphatic metastasis, IET, and higher stages in SCCs were significant (P <0.005). Mean and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for SCCs and BCCs survival were 6.97 years (6.7-7.25) and 7.6 years (7.46-7.73), respectively, with significant difference between the groups (P=0.001); risk of mortality enhanced 2.05 and 22.07 times in SCC and IET clinical manifestation, respectively. Mean and 95% CI for recurrence time among SCCs and BCCs were 1.74 (1.26-1.75) and 2.26 (1.63-2.37) respectively, and there was a significant difference between the groups (P=0.001). Conclusions: The current retrospective study showed that BCC frequency was twice more than that of SCC without significant dominancy on gender or age in scalp area with significant number of IET cases in SCCs. Mortality risks enhanced 2.05 times in SCCs and risk of recurrence increased 1.85 times in BCCs. These knowledge can guide to employ a proper approach.