Sinonasal cancer in the Italian national surveillance system: Epidemiology, occupation, and public health implications

Abstract

Background: Sinonasal cancer (SNC) is a rare tumor with predominant occupational etiology associated with exposures to specific carcinogens. The aim of this study is to describe SNC cases recorded in Italy in the period 2000-2016.

Methods: Clinical information, occupational history, and lifestyle habits of SNC cases collected in the Italian Sinonasal Cancer Register were examined. Age-standardized rates were estimated.

Results: Overall, 1529 cases were recorded. The age-standardized incidence rates per 100 000 person-years were 0.65 in men and 0.26 in women. Occupational exposures were predominant among the attributed exposure settings, primarily to wood and leather dusts. Other putative causal agents included chrome, solvents, tannins, formaldehyde, textile dusts, and pesticides. Many cases had unknown exposure.

Conclusions: Epidemiological surveillance of SNC cases and their occupational history is fundamental for monitoring the occurrence of the disease in exposed workers in industrial sectors generally not considered at risk of SNC as well as in non-occupational settings.

Keywords: Italy; epidemiology; exposure registry; occupational; sinonasal cancer.