A 55-year-old woodworker presents with a T3N0M0 adenocarcinoma of the ethmoid sinus. This tumour is strongly associated with occupational exposure to:
- A Hardwood and softwood dust ✓
- B Nickel dust and chromate compounds
- C Formaldehyde
- D Isopropyl alcohol production
Correct answer: A. Hardwood and softwood dust
Explanation
Intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinoma (ITAC) of the ethmoid sinus has the strongest known occupational carcinogen association with hardwood dust inhalation (especially oak and beech), with a 500-fold increased risk in furniture and woodworkers. Softwood dust is also implicated but to a lesser extent. The tumour resembles colonic adenocarcinoma histologically (villous, tubular, or mucinous types). Nickel and chromate are associated with squamous carcinoma of the nasal cavity. Formaldehyde is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in some studies.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.