The role of hand fingerprints on predisposition of cancer development

Abstract

Fingerprints or dermatoglyphics contain patterns that were formed by parallel ridges on the bare skin of fingertips. This property on the skin, especially on the finger, makes it possible to hold objects with our fingers, and this feature can also be used to determine identity. After cardiovascular diseases, cancer is the second cause of death worldwide. In this paper, we reviewed the associations reported between fingerprint patterns (dermatoglyphics) and cancer types. In this review, we focused on six types of cancer, including gynecological cancers, oral cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, leukemia, and pituitary tumors, and their connection with fingerprints. The dermatoglyphic could be a potentially useful tool for early diagnosis of predisposition in developing some diseases. As some patterns inform us about leading to deadly diseases, such as cancer, which could be prevented, or at least by early diagnosis and taking proper care, the mortality rate could decline. Thus, the fingerprints that have been primarily observed in particular cancers require more research.

Keywords

• Dermatoglyphics
• Fingerprints
• Cancer