Fifty years of woodworkers’ nasal adenocarcinoma in High Wycombe

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundSince 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.MethodsA 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.ConclusionThis 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.