[Findings in a high-risk group following asbestos exposure. Benefit of ENT examinations in patients with long-term exposure to asbestos].

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Laryngeal diseases caused by exposure to asbestos are listed in the current German list of occupational diseases under number 4104. Parallel to a multicenter study to evaluate whether a CT scan should be included in the examinations for occupational diseases according to the German surveillance guidelines, an additional ENT examination was evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

One hundred workers with a mean exposure time to asbestos of 20.9 years were given a complete ENT examination in 4 consecutive years (1993-1996). Radiological signs for asbestosis were observed in 21 cases and 58 participants had pleural affections caused by asbestos. Significant nicotine abuse was reported by 15 persons: 61 participants were ex-smokers and 24 had never smoked. Regular alcohol consumption was reported by 90% (11% more than 80 g/day).

RESULTS:

As documented in the literature, we found a high prevalence of laryngitis, especially in smoking patients. One patient had early laryngeal cancer (T1).

CONCLUSION:

The integration of an ENT examination into the German surveillance guidelines for occupational diseases should be discussed for patients with a high exposure to asbestos.

• Authors: M Winter, A Pfeifer, F Waldfahrer, T Kraus, H J Raithel, H Iro
• Journal: HNO (HNO) Vol. 50 Issue 11 Pg. 989-96 (Nov 2002) ISSN: 0017-6192 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Befunde in einem Hochrisikokollektiv nach Asbestexposition Nutzen von HNO-ärztlichen Untersuchungen ehemals asbeststaubexponierter Personen.
• PMID: 12420184 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Dust
• Asbestos

Topics

• Aged
• Alcohol Drinking (adverse effects)
• Asbestos (adverse effects)
• Asbestosis (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Dust
• Humans
• Laryngeal Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Lung Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Mesothelioma (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Staging
• Occupational Diseases (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Otolaryngology
• Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Patient Care Team
• Pleural Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Precancerous Conditions (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Risk Factors
• Smoking (adverse effects)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed