[Nasal sinus adenocarcinoma in patients exposed to wood dust in the Community of Cantabria, Spain].

OBJECTIVE

To study the incidence and clinical and histological features of sawdust-related nasosinusal adenocarcinoma (SRNA) in the Community of Cantabria.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was made of all patients diagnosed as SRNA in 9 years.

RESULTS

Ten male patients, ranging in age from 56 to 64 years, were diagnosed as SRNA in this period. The most common location was the ethmoid. Histologically, six tumors were papillary and four were mucinous. Five patients received combined treatment (surgery and postoperative radiotherapy), one surgery alone, two radiotherapy, and one chemotherapy. The 5-year survival rate was 28.5%. The most frequent cause of death was local recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of SRNA in the Community of Cantabria is less than 0.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year. SRNA occurs almost exclusively in men and has an occupational origin. Papillary adenocarcinoma is the most frequent histological type. The treatment of choice is surgery associated with postoperative radiotherapy. The long-term prognosis is poor, so preventive measures to reduce exposure to sawdust are fundamental in risk groups.