Purpose

The aim of this audit was to assess the characteristics and prevalence of certain risk factors amongst patients seen in the oculoplastic department of our tertiary referral centre with a diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

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Methods

This was a retrospective audit of 100 patients seen in Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust with biopsy confirmed NMSC. Case notes were reviewed to identify the following: the age and sex of the patients, laterality of the lesion, use of biological therapy, the previous use of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormonal therapy and the presence of a simultaneous or past cancer history elsewhere. Values were compared to those in the published literature.

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Results

Patient age ranged from 32 to 100. There was a female preponderance (67%) and the vast majority of NMSC were basal cell carcinomas (BCC) (97%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (2%) and Sebaceous cell carcinoma (1%). 3% of patients had a history of biologic use whilst 23% had been previously treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormonal therapy. 42% of patients had a history of other cancer diagnoses.

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Conclusion

This audit has shown BCC, SCC and sebaceous carcinoma rates largely in keeping with published literature. Although certain biologics, particular anti-TNF agents, are known to increase the risk of NMSC, this constitutes a small percentage of total NMSC cases. This is in keeping with evidence that suggests there is a statistically significant but small risk of NMSC with use of these agents. Use of these medications, as well as background of previous immunotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy, may constitute an important risk factor when considering follow up, surveillance intervals and subsequent risk of recurrence.

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Additional Authors

First name	Last name	Base Hospital / Institution
Sreedhar	Jyothi	St James’s University Hospital, Leeds
Rania	Eldakhs	St James’s University Hospital, Leeds

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