Nasal Cancer

Sinonasal Cancer Linked to Wood Dust Exposure

In the 1960s, researchers found a link between industrial exposure to wood dust and nasal cancer after a significantly high number of English furniture factory workers developed the disease. While rare—less than 10 cases per million—nasal cancer is deadly and patients diagnosed with the disease often face a poor prognosis. The symptoms of nasal cancer, in its early stages, are typically subtle and are similar to those of a sinus infection. Consequently, many people who have the disease neglect their symptoms and don’t get the early treatment that is needed for an optimal prognosis.

The overall anatomy of the Sinonasal tract in the skull base is very complex. The maxillary sinus, the nasal cavity, and the ethmoid sinus are the most common sites in which sinonasal cancer originates.

The Maxillary Sinus

The Maxillary sinuses are located beneath the cheeks, above the teeth on both sides of the face. It is the largest of the paranasal sinuses and is pyramidal in shape. Imagine the maxillary sinus as a room, the floor is a hard plate that includes the upper teeth. The ceiling is a bone which provides the eye with support. When tumors are present in the “ceiling” of the maxillary sinus, the eye can be affected and vision and function can be impaired. Lesions that are present in the back wall can affect the nerves at the base of the skull and possibly invade into the brain, when the disease becomes very advanced.

Ethmoid Sinus

Tumors and lesions found in the Ethmoid sinus and nasal cavity can have the same effect as tumors found in the maxillary sinus. Because of the close proximity of the overall sinus cavities to the brain, the optic nerve can be affected. The brain is also rather vulnerable due to the thin bone at the base of the skull.

Frontal & Sphenoid Sinuses

Sinonasal cancer has also been found in other sinus cavities. Tumors have been found in the frontal sinus cavity and the sphenoid sinus cavity. Though tumors in these sinus cavities are rare, they are equally devastating.

Are You Eligible for Compensation?

Individuals who have developed nasal cancer as a result of occupational wood dust exposure have the right to file a legal claim against those responsible for their losses and suffering. Damages that can be recovered through a lawsuit include medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a type of nasal cancer and you suspect wood dust exposure is the cause, let us evaluate your case FREE of charge. Please contact us today for a no-cost consultation with a respected and proven personal injury attorney.