Background and Objectives: Dermatoglyphics is the science that deals with the study of carvings over the volar aspect of skin of palm, sole, fingers. The patterns are due to underlying interlocking dermal papillae with overlying corresponding epidermal ridges. The present study was carried out to analyze the digital dermatoglyphic patterns in carcinoma breast group and to compare it with control group. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the digital dermatoglyphic patterns were taken by INK METHOD of 100 breast cancer cases, confirmed on histopathology and 100 control cases were studied. The qualitative analysis of patterns like whorls, arches, loops, and composites as well as quantitative analysis of absolute finger ridge count, total finger ridge count were studied. Statistical analysis: the data was tested for its significance using the chi-square test and Student’s t-test. Results: Number of whorls showed significant increase in the breast cancer group. Number of arches was decreased significantly in the cancer group in right hand and right plus left hand together. Ulnar loops were decreased while radial loops were increased in cancer group. Furuhata’s index increased in cancer group whereas Dankmejer’s index lowered in cancer group. Interpretation and conclusion: Digital dermatoglyphics may play an important role in identifying high-risk breast cancer population in developing country like India.

Keywords: Digital Dermatoglyphics; Carcinoma Breast; Whorls; Loops; Arches; Histopathology