# Clinico-pathologic profile of skin cancers in oculocutaneous albinism at Universitas Academic Hospital

## TL;DR

This study examines skin cancer types and profiles in patients with albinism in South Africa, finding a high prevalence of aggressive cancers at first medical visits.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed clinico-pathological profile of skin cancers in albinism patients at initial presentation in a South African hospital.

## Key findings

- 37% of albinism patients had skin cancer at first visit, with squamous cell carcinomas being most common.
- Aggressive squamous cell carcinomas were more prevalent than basal cell carcinomas among these patients.
- No melanomas were found, and females were disproportionately affected.

## Abstract

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a genetic disorder found worldwide. Skin cancer is a significant risk for people with albinism, particularly in Africa, where it is a major cause of death. Many patients delay seeking medical care until their skin lesions are in advanced stages.

The aim of this study was to describe the clinico-pathological profile of skin cancers in patients with albinism at their initial presentation to our dermatology outpatient department.

This study was conducted at the dermatology department of Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

A retrospective descriptive study covering June 2009 to July 2019 was conducted. Only records of oculo-cutaneous albinism patients diagnosed with skin cancer during their initial visit were included.

Eighty-six patients with albinism were recorded, 37% (n = 32) of whom had skin cancer at their first visit. Females (81%) were more affected than males (19%). The majority of skin cancers were squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) (54%) and basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) (46%). No melanomas were found. Most SCCs were classified as aggressive (80.4%), compared to 30.8% of BCCs.

Almost 40% of OCA patients presented with skin cancer at their initial visit, highlighting the need for strengthening primary healthcare systems’ efficiency in ensuring early referrals for OCA patients.

Education, socioeconomic support and awareness campaigns are sine qua non actionable factors that could help encourage early medical evaluation for all OCA patients.