Epidemiological and Histological Study of Malignant Cutaneous Tumors of the Face: Experience of the Plastic Surgery Department at CHU Med VI, Marrakech

Malignant tumors of the face mainly include carcinomas (basal cell and squamous cell) and, more rarely, melanomas. Through this study, we aim to define the epidemiological profile of patients with malignant cutaneous facial tumors, identify risk factors, and examine the histological characteristics and anatomo-clinical varieties of these tumors in our context. Our work is a 5-year retrospective study involving 223 cases of facial tumors managed at the Plastic Surgery Department of CHU Mohamed VI between January 2016 and December 2021, consisting of epidemiological, clinical, and histological analysis. Patient age ranged from 8 to 83 years, with an average age of 54, and a clear male predominance. Most patients were exposed to sunlight through their occupations, without significant protection. The most common precancerous lesions were actinic keratoses followed by xeroderma pigmentosum. All regions of the face were affected. Macroscopically, ulcerative-exophytic lesions were predominant (56%). Basal cell carcinoma was the most frequent histological type (47%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (39%) and melanoma (3%). Malignant facial skin tumors are a common dermatological pathology in our setting. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical examination and histopathology. Prevention relies on avoiding risk factors. Early diagnosis and proper excision are key to prognosis.