A Dermatoglyphics Study On Fingerprint Patterns In The Patients Of Carcinoma Of Breast

Abstract

Background: Dermatoglyphics refers to a branch of science in the study of the patterns of skin ridges (dermal ridges) present on the fingers, palm, toes, and soles of the human. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India. Findings indicate that women diagnosed with breast cancer often exhibit a higher prevalence of ulnar loops or possess more than six loops in their fingerprints. It appears that having more than six whorls may actually confer a protective advantage against the disease. This connection highlights the potential of using fingerprint patterns as a novel avenue for breast cancer risk assessment and prevention.

Material and Methods: This was a case control study, conducted at the SRM medical college, Trichy, India. It consists of 60 histopathologically confirmed breast cancer females in the age group of 20–80 years and a 60-healthy female control group of the same age range, who had no signs and symptoms of breast cancer and no family history. The fingertips were inked and pressed onto plain A4 white paper using the ink method; then, different types of fingerprint patterns were studied and their significance analyzed in the control and case groups.

Results: Statistical analysis shows that the right-hand control group has a greater number of ulnar loops and fewer arches, both of which are statistically significant. The same result is shown for the left-hand control group, but ulnar loops do not show statistically significant differences. The right-hand control group shows a greater number of ulnar loops and fewer arches, which are statistically significant.

Conclusion: In our study, the ulnar loop pattern was more common and the arch pattern was less common in both hands of the control group compared with those of breast cancer patients. This study can help with early diagnosis and treatment in breast cancer patients.