A 50-year-old man with a history of prolonged woodworking presents with unilateral nasal obstruction, blood-stained nasal discharge, and a mass in the right nasal cavity. CT shows a heterogeneous soft tissue mass involving the right nasal cavity and ethmoid sinuses with medial wall orbital erosion. Biopsy reveals an intestinal-type adenocarcinoma. What occupational exposure is classically linked to this tumour?

• A Nickel refining
• B Asbestos inhalation
• C Chrome pigment painting
• D Hardwood dust exposure ✓

Explanation

Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the sinonasal region is strongly associated with hardwood dust exposure, particularly seen in woodworkers (furniture makers, carpenters). The ethmoid sinuses are the most common site. Nickel and chrome exposure are associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the sinonasal tract. Hardwood dust acts as a carcinogen causing metaplastic changes in the sinonasal mucosa resembling intestinal epithelium.

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.