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Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 6/2010

01-08-2010 | Original Article

Characterization of initial clinical symptoms and risk factors for sinonasal adenocarcinomas: results of a case–control study

Authors: Susanne Ingrid Mayr, Kamber Hafizovic, Frank Waldfahrer, Heinrich Iro, Birgitta Kütting

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 6/2010

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Abstract

Purpose

Sinonasal adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer, frequently associated with occupational exposure to inhalable wood dust. Among the EU member States, Germany was reported to have the highest number of exposed workers. Location and long latency make early diagnosis difficult. This case–control study was aimed at assessing potential risk factors and at characterizing initial clinical symptoms, both serving as matrix to identify persons at increased risk and to improve management of this cancer.

Methods

Of 58 patients, 31 diagnosed with sinonasal adenocarcinoma (cases) between 1973 and 2007 were identified and underwent standardized interview on clinical data. A total of 85 patients diagnosed over the same period with carcinoma of the oral cavity served as controls.

Results

The ethmoid was confirmed as the predominant site of adenocarcinoma associated with wood dust exposure, whereas the nasal cavity was most commonly affected in patients denying any exposure to wood dust. Cases were significantly engaged in mainly woodworking occupations compared to controls. The main initial clinical symptoms were nasal obstruction 6 months (71%) and epistaxis 4 years (41.9%) prior to diagnosis. Hardwood dust from beech and oak proved to be the most common occupational exposure, with a mean exposure period of 32.3 years and a latency of 43.5 (34–58) years.

Conclusions

Our investigation confirms the importance of regular screenings for persons exposed to wood dust even years after the end of occupational or private exposure. Banal clinical symptoms such as epistaxis and nasal obstruction might be predictive, requiring early and thorough investigation.
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Metadata
Title
Characterization of initial clinical symptoms and risk factors for sinonasal adenocarcinomas: results of a case–control study
Authors
Susanne Ingrid Mayr
Kamber Hafizovic
Frank Waldfahrer
Heinrich Iro
Birgitta Kütting
Publication date
01-08-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 6/2010
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0479-5

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