[Radiation-induced malignant skin tumors in the hands of five doctors]

Radiation-induced malignant skin tumors in the hands in 3 surgeons, one physician, and one dentist are reported. The latent period of the irradiation ranged between 16 years and 34 years. Clinically, small keratotic lesions were seen in 4 doctors and a large tumor the remaining doctor. On histological examination, one of the tumors was a squamous cell carcinoma, 3 were carcinomas in situ, and the fifth was a basal cell carcinoma with a squamous cell carcinoma. While the occupational hazard of developing malignant skin tumors following irradiation have decreased recently, this paper emphasizes precautions should be taken when diagnosing and caring for cancer patients.