TITLE:
Ultraviolet Nail Lamps and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Cause and Effect, or Not?—A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Eva A. Williams, Stuart H. Kuschner
KEYWORDS:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Hand Surgery, Ultraviolet Light, Cancer Risk
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.11 No.11,
November
24,
2021
ABSTRACT: Ultraviolet (UV) lamps are used in nail salons as part of standard gel
nail manicures. While UV radiation is a known risk factor for the development
of skin cancers, the risk from exposure to UV nail lamps is unclear. We present
a case of a woman who developed squamous cell carcinoma in one finger after
exposure to UV lamps. A discussion of the correlation between UV nail lamps and
squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is provided. Orthopedic surgeons frequently
encounter skin cancers of the hand however the role of UV nail lamps has not
yet been elucidated in the orthopedic literature. This manuscript aims to
address that gap and facilitate patient counseling during such consultations.