EPIDEMIOLOGY OF UPPER AERODIGESTIVE TRACT CANCER

Cancers of nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses represent about 2-3 % of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, in France. In 20 % of the se cases, these cancers develop in the ethmoid region, 80 % of them be ing adenocarcinomas. Among the distinctive features of adenocarcinomas , epidemiological data should be emphasized. Indeed, ethmoid adenocarc inomas are mostly linked to wood exposure, mainly hard and exotic wood s. However, in synthetic wood, binding agents and glues may also be in volved as cocarcinogens. These cancers are often underdeclared by medi cal 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 par anasal sinuses should be undertaken to avoid such a situation.