The Burden of Multiple Basal Cell Carcinomas: A Population-wide Study

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin cancer type and affected individuals are known to be at risk of developing multiple consecutive tumours. Research into BCC multiplicity has, thus far, been challenging, due to a lack of national registration. This registry-based cohort study aimed to analyse the occurrence of multiple BCCs in Sweden, and risk factors for subsequent primary BCCs. Data regarding all histopathologically verified, primary BCC tumours in Sweden from 2004 to 2017 was extracted from the Swedish BCC Registry. Risk of developing a subsequent BCC in relation to person-related factors was estimated with Cox regression analysis. Cumulative risk of BCC development after 1 or 3 earlier BCCs was estimated. In total, 39.9% of individuals with a registered BCC had at least 2 registered tumours. The risk of developing a subsequent BCC increased significantly in males, older age, and with residence in southern Sweden. The cumulative 5-year risk of developing an additional BCC after first diagnosis was approximately 30% in males and 27% in females and increased after multiple previous BCCs. This study showed the cumulative risk of a subsequent BCC to increase with a history of multiple BCCs, indicating the need for clinical surveillance in these individuals.

Fig. 1

Cumulative risk of being diagnosed with a new primary basal cell carcinoma after being diagnosed with one earlier tumour, divided by sex. Presented in a Kaplan–Meier graph.

Fig. 2

Cumulative risk of being diagnosed with a new primary basal cell carcinoma after being diagnosed with one earlier tumour, divided by age categories. Presented in a Kaplan–Meier graph.