Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and corresponds to 70-80% of all malignant neoplasms of the skin. It is emerging as a global public health problem, with incidences of the condition increasing in all countries. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological profile and characteristics of patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma in the previous four years in a reference hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at a dermatology reference center in the city of Bauru, São Paulo State, Brazil. Patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, confirmed by histological examination from January 2010 to December 2013 were included in the study. The variables analyzed descriptively were: age at diagnosis, gender, city of origin, site of lesion, and race. Results: A higher incidence of basal cell carcinoma was observed in Caucasian women older than 60 years, with the malar and nasal regions arising as the usual locations. Conclusions: There is an increased incidence of basal cell carcinoma in young people, however the most affected population is still the elderly Caucasian population. The most common area for the cancer is the face, particularly the upper two thirds. The incidence of this cancer in younger populations is worrying, with the dermatologist having an important role in the prevention and early treatment.

Keywords: CARCINOMA, BASAL CELL; EPIDEMIOLOGY; SKIN NEOPLASMS; PATHOLOGY; DERMATOLOGY

The Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin tumor. The purpose of this paper is to warn of the possibility of this diagnosis, usually not considered as an initial hypothesis in cutaneous neoplasias. The authors describe two cases of elderly female patients with complaints of a single erythematous nodule on the face. The diagnoses of basal cell carcinoma and amelanotic melanoma were considered. The presence of telangiectasias was evident at dermoscopy. The incisional biopsy's histology evidenced Merkel cell carcinomas. This neoplasia typically occurs in Caucasian patients with over 65 years of age, emerging as an erythematous-purplish nodule of rapid growth, with immunohistochemistry being essential for the diagnosis.

Keywords: SKIN NEOPLASMS; CARCINOMA, MERKEL CELL; NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS; IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY