BREAKING NEWS! Cancer Risk from Face Masks Reported!

Medical News: In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers from Ankara University, Turkey, have raised alarms over a potential health risk linked to the prolonged use of medical face masks. The researchers documented five cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that developed behind the ears, in areas subjected to repeated trauma from the cords of these masks. This shocking discovery has sparked concern and calls for further investigation into the possible association between mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of skin cancer.


Cancer Risk from Face Masks Reported Clinical photographs of the patients. A - C. Infiltrative
Basal Cell Carcinoma in cases 3, 2, and 4, respectively, on the postauricular region, and D.
Basosquamous carcinoma on the inferior postauricular sulcus in case 5
 
As of press time, Thailand Medical News had reached out to various other groups involved in cancer research and dermatology and in more than 28 countries and 11 have got back to us saying that yes… there have been a growing number of similar cases. Four more compiled cases reports are expected to be published soon in the MDPI journal and another two case series in Cureus journal. It should be noted that for most other countries, it was the tighter fitting face mask especially the N95mask with the elastic bands that were more likely to give rise to Basal Cell carcinomas.
 
Understanding Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, typically resulting from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, other risk factors include ionizing radiation, chronic exposure to arsenic, genetic predisposition, immunosuppression, scar tissue, and trauma. The pathogenesis of BCC due to trauma and scarring remains largely theoretical, despite well-documented mechanisms involving UV light, radiation, and genetic mutations.
 
The Case Studies
During the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, five patients presented to the dermatoscopy unit at Ankara University with lesions located behind their ears. These lesions had been present for an average of 8 months, with patients' ages ranging from 57 to 83 years. Of the five patients, two were female.
 
Histopathological examinations revealed that the majority of the lesions were aggressive subtypes of BCC: three were infiltrative, one was superficial, and one was a basosquamous carcinoma (BSC). Notably, all the tumors were linear in shape and located precisely in areas where the face mask cords exerted pressure and friction.
 
The Trauma Hypothesis
Linear BCC, first described in 1985 by Lewis, is a distinct morphological variant of basal cell carcinoma. While some researchers have suggested that trauma and the Koebner phenomenon might be linked to the development of linear BCC, the underlying pathophysiology has yet to be fully understood. In the reported cases, the p ostauricular region - where the mask cords caused repeated friction - was the site of all lesions. This suggests a possible role of prolonged trauma in triggering BCC, especially considering that four of the five lesions were aggressive subtypes.
 
A Closer Look at the Findings
The characteristics of the patients in this case series offer valuable insights. Four out of five lesions were aggressive subtypes of BCC, which are generally less common in the general population. This observation aligns with previous literature indicating that linear BCC presentations are often aggressive. The linear shape of the lesions might be explained by the inhibition of lateral spread caused by reactive dermal fibrosis, a hypothesis supported by the linearity observed in other cases of BCC associated with radiation, trauma, or scars.
 
Additional Risk Factors
Many of the patients in this study had pre-existing risk factors for BCC. For instance, two patients had a history of radiation therapy to the scalp and neck, and one was on immunosuppressive medication. These additional risk factors complicate the picture and raise questions about whether trauma alone can trigger BCC or if it merely exacerbates the risk in already susceptible individuals.
 
The Path Forward
This startling discovery underscores the importance of thorough dermatological examinations, particularly in elderly patients who have been wearing masks for prolonged periods. It is crucial for dermatologists to inspect the areas behind the ears meticulously to ensure that aggressive forms of BCC are not overlooked.
 
A Call for Further Research
The findings from Ankara University highlight a critical need for further research to determine the extent of this potential risk. Understanding whether trauma from mask cords can independently cause BCC or if it accelerates tumor development in individuals with existing risk factors will be vital. Public health guidelines may need to be adjusted to mitigate this newly identified risk while balancing the protective benefits of wearing masks during pandemics.
 
Public Health Implications
The potential link between face mask cords and the development of BCC presents a challenging public health dilemma. Masks have been an essential tool in controlling the spread of COVID-19, but if they pose a cancer risk, especially in vulnerable populations, alternative designs or materials may need to be considered. Public health officials and medical professionals must weigh the benefits and risks, providing guidance that protects individuals from both infectious diseases and potential long-term health consequences.
 
Conclusion
The research conducted by Ankara University has opened a new chapter in understanding the impacts of prolonged face mask use. While the benefits of masks in preventing the spread of COVID-19 are well-documented, this study highlights a potential downside that warrants attention. Ensuring that masks are safe for extended use, especially among the elderly, will be crucial in maintaining public health without introducing new risks.
 
In light of these findings, it is imperative that both the public and medical community stay informed and vigilant. Further studies are needed to explore this association and develop safer mask-wearing practices that protect against both viral infections and potential carcinogenic risks.
 
These cases reports were published in the Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences.
https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/medical/vol53/iss5/55/
 
We will be covered more case studies and reports on this.
 
For the latest about Cancer and Face Mask, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-news-study-finds-that-covid-19-triggered-exposure-of-carcinogenic-phthalates-to-many-via-masks-and-gloves