[Epidemiology of cancers of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses]

Abstract

Cancers of nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses represent about 2-3% of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, in France. In 20% of these cases, these cancers develop in the ethmoid region, 80% of them being adenocarcinomas. Among the distinctive features of adenocarcinomas, epidemiological data should be emphasized. Indeed, ethmoid adenocarcinomas are mostly linked to wood exposure, mainly hard and exotic woods. However, in synthetic wood, binding agents and glues may also be involved as cocarcinogens. These cancers are often underdeclared by medical professionals leading to possible prejudice to the patient and his entitled beneficiaries. Therefore a detailed professional history of all patients presenting with a cancer of the nasal cavities and/or paranasal sinuses should be undertaken to avoid such a situation.