The Prevalence and Treatment Costs of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in Cluj-Napoca Maxillofacial Center
<i>Background and Objectives:</i> An increasing incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is noted, as well as an increasing cost of the treatment, with NMSC becoming a public health problem. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and treatment costs of surgically treated NMSC from th...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Medicina |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/2/220 |
| Summary: | <i>Background and Objectives:</i> An increasing incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is noted, as well as an increasing cost of the treatment, with NMSC becoming a public health problem. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and treatment costs of surgically treated NMSC from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Cluj-Napoca County Hospital. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and the charge data of hospitalization from the informatic system of Cluj-Napoca County Hospital. All patients benefited from standard surgical excision with the reconstruction of the post-excisional defect. A statistical analysis of the costs related to the patients’ features, period and conditions of hospitalization, materials, medication, and paraclinical investigations was performed. <i>Results:</i> Between 2015 and 2019, 133 patients with NMSC were addressed to our department, with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) being four-fold higher than squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Most NMSC cases were diagnosed in stage I or II, and they benefited from local reconstruction. The treatment costs progressively increased in the last five years, reaching a total cost of EUR ~13.000 in 2019. The treatment cost per episode was higher for SCC compared to BCC, while the total cost of treatment in 5 years was higher for BCC. Low income, immunosuppression, comorbidities, flap reconstruction option, long-lasting surgery, and prolonged hospitalization were associated with an increased cost of the treatment. <i>Conclusion:</i> The prevalence and treatment cost of surgically treated NMSC of the head and neck region increased in the last five years, with high-cost drivers being related to patients and treatment options. |
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| ISSN: | 1010-660X 1648-9144 |