Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Earlobe after Auricular Acupuncture

Abstract

The genesis of familial and sporadic basal cell carcinomas involves activation of the Sonic hedgehog signal transduction pathway. Other known factors for the development of basal cell carcinoma are ultraviolet exposure, X-rays, race, age, gender and decreased DNA repair capacity. We here report the case of a right earlobe sporadic basal cell carcinoma in a 65-year-old woman. This case is unusual because of its earlobe localization and its association with multiple auricular acupuncture treatments. This observation suggests a connection between local traumas, which occur in the course of acupuncture treatment and ear piercing, and the genesis of basal cell carcinoma. The incidence of minor adverse events associated with acupuncture is high, but serious events are uncommon. Acupuncture is not known to date for promoting the development of tumors. This connection remains to be elucidated.

Skin Cancers Arising in Tattoos: Coincidental or Not?

“…Moreover, as shown by Müller et al[ 20], tattoo pigments do not remain inert in the dermis: an inflammatory reaction takes place during the whole life in an attempt to degrade all foreign material. Trauma, scars or cutaneous chronic inflammation have sometimes been found as underlying the development of BCCs [2, 3], SCCs [4] and KAs [21]. In the latter, trauma seems specifically to be a crucial triggering factor as most cases occurred within the first year after tattooing [14, 15, 18, 19].…”

“…Trauma, scars and/or chronic inflammation have been reported as underlying causes of skin cancer in occasional cases [1,2,3,4]. Tattooing is a traumatizing procedure characterized by the introduction of exogenous pigment in the dermis by puncturing the skin.…”

Reflections on a Basal Cell Carcinoma on the Nose of an Adolescent Monozygotic Female Twin

“…Only few cases have been reported of BCC's arising within chronic scars, venous insufficiency or as a result of dermatitis artefacta [Alcolado et al, 1993]. The unique observation of a BCC on an earlobe after auricular acupuncture lets Brouard et al [2002] suggest that local trauma like acupuncture or ear piercing may play a putative role in the pathogenesis of BCC. But acupuncture is a frequent treatment option and piercing is practiced throughout the world.…”

“…However, the contrary may happen, too: 'Disruption of this regulatory mechanism may contribute to the development of malignant tumours in chronically inflamed regions' [Hayashi et al, 2002]. So, besides presuming that skin injury may in unique cases induce a BCC [Alcolado et al, 1993;Brouard et al, 2002], we can presume with even more justification that acupuncture or piercing may protect from developing a BCC! Here, a 19-year-old female monozygotic twin observed a nonhealing lesion on her right nostril while at the same time her twin sister decorated the same part of her body with a piercing.…”

A Herpes Simplex Virus Infection Secondary to Acupuncture and Cupping

“…Cupping is based on the principle of suction and has been found to affect the body up to four inches deep into the tissue, causing a release of toxins, activation of the lymphatic system, clearance of colonic blockages and clearance of arteries, veins and capillaries. In the previous reports, the adverse effects secondary to acupuncture and cupping have been related to trauma and infection [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] .…”