CLINICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF BASAL CELL CARCINOMA PATIENTS AT THE ROYAL MEDICAL SERVICES: A RETROSPECTIVE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer worldwide. While rarely metastatic, delayed treatment may cause significant morbidity. Limited regional data from Jordan highlight the need for population-specific insights. Objective: To evaluate demographic, clinical, and histopathological characteristics of BCC patients treated at the Royal Rehabilitation Center, Royal Medical Services, and identify risk factors associated with recurrence and outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 207 surgically managed BCC patients (2020–2025) was reviewed. Demographic, tumor, and treatment variables were extracted and analyzed. Continuous variables were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and categorical variables with Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The median age was 72 years (IQR: 40–45), with a slight male predominance (52.2%). Prolonged sun exposure was highly prevalent (81.2%), while sunscreen use was limited (6.3%). The nose was the most common tumor site (37.7%), and nodular subtype was predominant (56.5%). Ulceration was observed in 62.3% of cases. Surgical margins were negative in 81.3%, and recurrence occurred in 12.6%. Comparative analysis between patients treated for <1 year (n=1031) versus >1 year (n=1041) showed no significant differences in age (68.0 vs. 59.0 years, p=0.7), tumor size (0.74 vs. 1.95 cm, p=0.6), gender distribution (p>0.9), comorbidities (all p>0.2), or reconstruction methods (p=0.2). Recurrence (25% vs. 0%) and multiplicity (25% vs. 0%) were observed only in the longer-duration group but without statistical significance (p=0.5). Conclusion: BCC in Jordan predominantly affected elderly males, with high sun exposure and low sunscreen use. Although recurrence was relatively frequent, no significant predictors were identified. These findings underscore the urgent need for public health education and early detection programs.