This was a real case from Germany.
A surgeon accidentally cut his left hand with a scalpel while removing a malignant abdominal tumour called a fibrous histiocytoma.
Five months later, a new tumour appeared at the site of the surgeon’s injured hand. Molecular testing confirmed the impossible: the surgeon had developed the same type of tumour as the patient.
Histopathological and DNA analyses showed the tumour to be genetically identical to the patient’s original cancer, indicating direct implantation of tumour cells into the wound.
The surgeon’s tumour was successfully removed. Two years later, he remained well, with no evidence of recurrence or spread.
With sharps injuries, we worry about blood-borne infections. But in exceptionally rare cases, cancer cells can also seed and implant into the wound.
📽️: Zack D Films