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Fifty years of woodworkers’ nasal adenocarcinoma in High Wycombe

Part of: JLO Editors' Choice Papers 2022

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 November 2021

J W R Capper
J W R Capper*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Wycombe General Hospital, High Wycombe, UK (retired)
*
Author for correspondence: Mr J W R Capper, Chartley, The Common, Hyde Heath, BucksHP6 5RW, UK E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

Since adenocarcinoma of the ethmoid sinuses was first described as an occupational disease in the woodworkers of High Wycombe, over the 50 subsequent years there has been a gradual decrease in the numbers to none over the last 12 years. Although this mirrored the decline in local industry, it seems the causative factor was first seen and then disappears over a 50-year period.

Methods

A total of 146 cases have been traced historically over this time as well as personal experience of 33 cases; these cases are reviewed and success with a new modality of treatment is discussed.

Conclusion

This paper outlines how the disease was initially recognised, both its diagnosis and treatment development. It also describes how both the appearance and disappearance were seemingly caused by changes in manufacturing practice.

Keywords

Adenocarcinoma/EtiologyAdenocarcinoma/ HistoryDustHistory, 19th CenturyHistory, 20th CenturyHumansIndustry/HistoryInterior Design And Furnishings/HistoryOccupational Exposure/Adverse EffectsOccupational Exposure/HistoryOtolaryngology/HistoryParanasal Sinus Neoplasms/EtiologyParanasal Sinus Neoplasms/HistoryWood/HistoryWood/Toxicity
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 136 , Issue 1 , January 2022 , pp. 45 - 48
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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Footnotes

Mr J W R Capper takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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