Aspectos epidemiológicos e histopatológicos do carcinoma basocelular no estado de Sergipe no período de 1996 a 2016

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm globally; although it has a low mortality rate, it can cause significant aesthetic and functional issues. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and histopathological profile of BCC cases recorded in the state of Sergipe between 1996 and 2016. Methodology: A descriptive, retrospective, population-based study using secondary data from the National Cancer Institute. Results: A total of 24,695 cases were analyzed. There was a slight female predominance (52.51%), with a mean age of 63.39 ± 15.25 years; 61.70% of the cases occurred in individuals aged 60 or older. Among records where race/skin color was reported (70.36%), 60.98% were white. Occupation was not reported in 68.88% of cases; among those reported, agricultural workers predominated (4.74% of the total). Aracaju accounted for 56.67% of cases by municipality of residence, and the Aracaju health region accounted for 60.61%. The head and neck were affected in 67.85% of cases. Among the specified subtypes, the nodular form was the most frequent (49.8%), followed by the superficial (23.4%) and morpheaform (22.6%) subtypes; 61.00% of cases were classified as BCC, not otherwise specified. Conclusion: The predominant profile consisted of elderly, white individuals, with a slight female majority and lesions on the head and neck; the nodular form was the most frequent subtype. The incompleteness of data regarding variables such as race/color, occupation, and specific subtypes limits the analysis. This underscores the need for better-quality records, stronger prevention, and improved access to healthcare, aiming at early diagnosis.