Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the lower limbs in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil

Background Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a common malignant neoplasm that affects areas that are exposed to the sun in fair-skinned people. It occurs less frequently on the lower limbs where other etiological factors are involved. Objective To determine the epidemiological aspects of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the lower limbs in Goiânia. Methodology Forty-three cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the lower limbs from the Cancer Registry of the Population Base of Goias, for the period between 1995 and 1999, were included in the study. Results Among the cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma registered in this 5-year interval, 43 (4.6%) represented cases affecting the lower limbs. Of these individuals, seven (16.3%) were male and 36 (83.7%) female (P < 0.001). Those in the age group of 60 years and above represented 90.7% of the cases (P < 0.001). None of the patients had metastasis. Conclusion Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas on the lower limbs are more frequently seen in women older than 60 years of age, and they rarely metastasize.