A 55-year-old furniture worker with a history of heavy hardwood dust exposure presents with unilateral nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and a polypoid mass in the nasal cavity. Biopsy reveals sinonasal adenocarcinoma (intestinal type). The most characteristic occupational association is with:
- A Hardwood dust exposure (woodworkers) — typically ethmoid sinus adenocarcinoma ✓
- B Nickel and chromate compound exposure in electroplating workers
- C Asbestos exposure in shipyard workers
- D Formaldehyde exposure in embalmers and pathologists
Correct answer: A. Hardwood dust exposure (woodworkers) — typically ethmoid sinus adenocarcinoma
Explanation
Sinonasal intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) has a well-established occupational association with hardwood dust exposure — particularly in furniture makers, carpenters, and woodworkers — with a latency period of 30–40 years. The tumor most commonly arises in the ethmoid sinuses. Nickel and chromate compounds are associated with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma. Formaldehyde is associated with nasopharyngeal squamous carcinoma. Asbestos causes mesothelioma.
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.