Metatypical carcinoma of the head: a review of 312 cases

BACKGROUND : Metatypical cell carcinoma (MTC) is a quite rare malignancy ac - counting for 5% of all non melanoma skin can - cers, with features of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It can be described as coexistence of basal cell carcinoma and squa - mous cell carcinoma with no transition zone be - tween them. AIM: Our review identified a correlation be - tween gender and MTC affected region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 312 consecutive patients, diagnosed for MTC localized on face and scalp. Statistical analysis was made to determinate most affected areas, gender prevalence, average age, presence of ulceration and infiltration and peripheral clearance rate. RESULTS: A relevant difference came out be - tween two genders. χ 2 test emphasized a relation between males and the presence of carcinoma on the scalp. In addition a strong correlation be - tween mixed subtype and ulceration was evi - dent. A strong relation between intermediate subtype and positive surgical margin was found; this data could identify a more aggressive be - havior of intermediate type. CONCLUSIONS : In our findings an important correlation between sun exposition and this tu - mor was found. Moreover, due to the difficulties that can occur in preserving the aesthetic sub - units in the surgical treatment of these regions, the prevention of this pathology has an impor - tant role.