P164. Squamous cell carcinoma of the thumb fingers of dental X-ray radiographer: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Careless dealing with diagnostic X-ray may end up with serious health problems. This was prevalent immediately after a decade of invention of X-ray where it had not been known that the accumulative exposure to X-ray carries huge health hazards. With occurrence of many cases with finger carcinoma, the health authorities started to develop safety standards to be followed by all x ray clinics and technicians. Since then no X-ray related health problem has been recorded. Details: A 48-year old male who has been working as an incharge clerk in Radiology Division, Oral Medicine Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, Syria since 1995, had his thumbs amputated in September 2010. Past medical history revealed that he used to stabilize the periapical films in the patients‘ mouths by one of his thumbs to accelerate the flow of the patients. Seven years before amputation he noticed an asymptomatic ulcer on his right thumb. He had neglected it for a period enough for common ulcers to heal. He used local and systemic antibiotics; however, no healing occurred. In August 2010, he noticed pus discharging from his right thumb which pushed him to consult. By this time, he took notice a similar ulcer in his left thumb. Oral Medicine Department referred him to a general surgeon. The radiographs of both hands revealed erosion of distal phalanx in both thumbs, though more prominent in the right one. Accordingly, the distal phalanges of both thumbs were amputated. Histopathological evaluation revealed Squamous cell carcinoma grade II. Conclusion: Insufficiency in understanding the harm health effects associated with diagnostic X-ray or carelessness in applying the recommended safety standards might end up with a tragic health problem. Relevance: Whatever the working load of diagnostic X-ray clinic, the technician must apply the recommended safety standards strictly.