Epidemiology of cancer of the nose and paranasal sinuses: Current concepts

Abstract

Cancer of the nose and paranasal sinuses (SNC) has been attributed to occupational exposure to nickel, chromium, radium, dichlordiethyl sulphide, isopropyl oil, and hydrocarbons. Occupational groups with an increased SNC risk include furniture, boot and show workers, and workers in U.S. countries heavily involved in both petroleum and chemical manufacturing; specific agents have not been identified with certainty. In most of the studies, the risk for developing SNC in the exposed workers was 21 to 100+ times greater than the risk for SNC in those who were not exposed. Undifferentiated and squamous histologies are associated with nickel refining; adenocarcinomas are found in woodworkers, boot and show manufacturers, and textile workers. Most occupations at risk for SNC were also at risk for cancer of other sites, particularly lung and skin cancer. Study of the epidemiology of SNC may identify unrecognized carcinogens and occupational groups at increased cancer risk.

Schneiderian Papillomas and Nonsalivary Glandular Neoplasms of the Head and Neck

“…Although ITACs are uncommon, they have generated interest not only because of their unusual histologic appearance but also, epidemiologically, as a result of their association with occupational exposure to wood and, occasionally, leather dust (95)(96)(97)(98)(99)(100)(101)(102)(103)(104)(105)(106)(107)(108)(109).…”

“…The risk for developing ITAC in the furniture worker exposed to wood dust is 70 -500 times that of the nonwoodworker (95,109). Dust particles Ն5 m in size and primarily from the hardwood trees beech, oak, and mahogany are thought to be responsible for the tumor, rather than the lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives applied to the furniture.…”

Paranasal sinus squamous cell carcinoma incidence and survival based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data, 1973 to 2009

“…Relatively high rates of PNSSCC are reported in Asia and Africa, especially among Japanese men 10,11 and in individuals with environmental and occupational exposure to wood dust, nickel, industrial fumes, and textile dust. 5,6,11 High levels of textile dust and asbestos and formaldehyde have been associated with PNSSCC.…”

“…5,6,11 High levels of textile dust and asbestos and formaldehyde have been associated with PNSSCC. 12,13 Chronic sinusitis, allergies, nasal polyposis, and tobacco smoking also are suggested risk factors.…”

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as Rhinophyma

“…It is well known that chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the main etiologic factor for the genesis of SCC 15 . Besides some acquired and genetic precancerous skin conditions, some chemical carcinogens have been reported to be involved in the development of SCCs of the nose; the incidence of SCC of the nose is remarkably higher among industrial workers coming in contact with nickel subsulphide, calcium chromate, isopropyl oil and so on 16 . However, this is not such a case because there was no known provoking factor for our patient.…”