Molikuoa Harriet Makuru
University of the Free State, South Africa
Abstract Title:
Delayed presentation and advanced skin cancer in persons with albinism: A South African perspectiveBiography:
Dr Makuru is a dermatologist at Universitas Academic Hospital and the University of the Free State, South Africa. Her academic interests include skin cancer in persons with albinism, skin of colour dermatology, inflammatory dermatoses, and dermatology education. She has contributed to research and guideline development in dermatology and is actively involved in postgraduate training and academic presentations at national and international level.
Research Interests:
Persons with albinism are at markedly increased risk of ultraviolet-induced skin cancers due to reduced or absent melanin. In sub-Saharan Africa, delayed access to dermatological care and inadequate photoprotection contribute significantly to morbidity. This study aimed to describe the clinico-pathologic profile of skin cancers in persons with albinism presenting to the Universitas Academic Hospital Dermatology Clinic, the only tertiary dermatology referral centre in the Free State Province, South Africa. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted over a 10-year period from June 2009 to July 2019. Medical records of patients with albinism and histopathologically confirmed skin cancers were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and histopathological data were analysed. Thirty-two patient files met the inclusion criteria. Patient ages ranged from 16 to 69 years, with a female predominance observed. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most common malignancy (54.15%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (45.9%). Forty percent of patients presented with both SCC and BCC. No melanoma cases were identified. Histopathological findings demonstrated that 80% of SCCs showed aggressive features with invasion beyond the epidermis at initial presentation, suggesting delayed diagnosis and limited access to early dermatological intervention. These findings highlight the burden of advanced but potentially preventable skin cancer in persons with albinism and underscore the urgent need for earlier detection, routine surveillance, public awareness, and accessible photoprotective interventions.