Analysis of the clinical profile of patients with squamous ocular neoplasms attended at a reference hospital of oculoplastics

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the clinical profile of patients with ocular surface squamous neoplasms (OSSN). Methods The main risk factors involved in the genesis of the ocular surface squamous neoplasms, the clinical features, and the behavioral habits associated were evaluated. This historical cohort study included 80 patients with anatomopathological diagnosis of OSSN who were treated between 2010-2020 at a reference hospital in oculoplastic and anterior segment in Santa Catarina. The clinical data and outcomes were evalated through the analysis of medical records and interviews, being later tabulated in Excel and analyzed using the SPSS 16 software. Results Regarding the clinical profile of the patients in the sample, 73.8% (n = 59) were male. The mean age of the sample was 62 years old. As for the skin phototype, according to the Fitzpatrick scale, most of the sample presented the phototype 1 and 2 (27.5% n = 22; and 55% n = 44 respectively). Regarding occupational exposure to the sun / radiation, 48% (n = 60) had history of occupational exposure, and of these, 28 patients worked in the agricultural area. Of the patients of the sample, 33 (41.2%) had a personal history of skin neoplasms, and of these, 3 had diagnosis of xeroderma pigmentosum. As for the habit of using sun protection factors, 61% (n = 49) of the sample denied the habit. A statistically significant association was evidenced between the habit of using sun protection factors and people’s history of skin cancer. Regarding the type of squamous neoplasia, most patients in the 90% sample (n = 72) had an anatomopathological diagnosis of ocular squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion The clinical epidemiological profile of patients with OSSN in this study, predominantly ocular squamous cell carcinoma, was men, elderly, fair-skinned (phototype 2) and with an important history of exposure to UVA and UVB rays. Immunosuppressive comorbidities (HIV, solid organ transplant) and dermatological diseases (albinism, xeroderma pigmentosum) are associated with the appearance of OSSN at an early age. In patients with a previous personal history of skin neoplasms, the habit of using sunscreen factors was more present than in the other patients.