Verruca vulgaris and radiation exposure are associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the finger.

BACKGROUND

Factors associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the finger are verruca vulgaris, radiation exposure, burns, and arsenic ingestion.

OBJECTIVES

We wish to further document the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and roentgen exposure to squamous cell carcinoma of the finger.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 32 cases of digital squamous cell carcinoma seen at UCLA Medical Center was performed.

RESULTS

Ten patients (31%) had histories of verrucae at the site of the carcinoma. Eight patients (25%) had histories of x-ray therapy to the hand.

CONCLUSION

Our study further supports the association of verruca vulgaris and radiation exposure in the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the finger.