Occupational non melanoma skin cancer in outdoor workers [Cancro cutaneo non melanoma di origine occupazionale nei lavoratori outdoor]

Non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is more common then melanoma and represents about 90% of skin cancers. The most common NMSC are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A population of 70 outpatients suffering from NMSC was studied. The aim of the study was to characterize the prevalence of subjects being occupationally exposed to UV radiation. Among the 70 patients, 35 had an occupational exposure to UV radiation (21 farmers, 2 building worker, 6 both farmers and building workers, 6 with other occupation). In addition, NMSC diagnosed by the Patological Anatomy Department of Siena University and occupational NMSC reported to INAIL in 2009 were taken under analysis too. From the first source a total number of 709 BCC and 309 SCC were found. Among SCC cases, 48 were selected for occupational exposure to UV radiation and localization of skin cancer on photoexposed areas (32 farmers, 11 building workers, 5 with other occupations). From the second source a total number of 2447 occupational tumours were reported in Italy. Among them 22 (0,97%) were NMSC (11 cases working in agriculture and 11 in industry). In conclusion most of patients with NMSC in Siena were farmers, probably due to the prevalence of this activity in the Siena area. The INAIL dadata seems underestimate the real number of occupational NMSC.