Squamous cell carcinoma of the palm in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To document six cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the palm.

Materials and Methods: A review of patients’ records seen from 1986 to 1998, at the Plastic Surgical Unit of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu was undertaken. The accumulated data were analyzed with the reference to those diagnosed as SCCs. Results: Four males and two females with a mean age of 61.3 years were afflicted with SCC of the palm. All but one of these patients farmed. There were long delays before presentation, and extents of the lesions reflected that.

Conclusion: The Public health education is indicated in our community, if the patients are to recognize the nature of this lesion and report early.

Keywords: Health education, Nigerians, palm, squamous cell carcinoma