https://researchopenworld.com/skin-cancers-in-albinos-at-surgical-oncology-unit-of-donka-national-hospital-conakry/#

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the frequency of albino skin cancers and to describe the difficulties related to the diagnostic and therapeutic management of these patients in Guinea. Material and methods: This was a retrospective cohort study on albinos attending Surgical Oncology Unit of Donka National Hospital for skin cancer from March 17, 2007, to December 17, 2016. Results: We identified the 30 albinoes who presented 41 skin cancer lesions. There were 18 (60.0%) women and 12 (40.0%) men. The average consultation delay was 28.3 months. Patients were housewives in 10 cases (33%), merchants in 8 cases (26.6%) and students in 6 cases (20.0%). The primary sites were the face in 22 cases (73.3%), trunk in 4 cases (13.3%) and neck in 3 cases (10.0%). There were squamous cell carcinoma in 29 cases (96.7%) and sarcoma 1 case (3.3%). The clinical stage was localized in 16 cases (53, 3%), locally advanced in 13 cases (43.3%) and metastatic in 1 case (3.3%). Wide surgical excision performed in 17 (56.7%) for 28 lesions. Wound closure was achieved by a myocutaneous flap in 15 cases, directed scarring in 7 cases, direct suture in 4 cases and skin graft in 2 cases. After a median follow-up of 8 months, 2 patients presented with relapse and 3 new tumor lesions and 9 (30.0%) died. At 24 months, overall survival was 29.0%. Conclusion: The incidence of skin cancer is high among albinos. Late diagnosis and inaccessibility to means of treatment are factors limiting the management of this vulnerable group.