Nasal polyp epithelial atypia and exposure to nickel and copper

Abstract

Background: Possible factors for cell atypia in nasal mucosa include noxious chemicals: ammonia, formaldehyde and heavy metals. Aims: Case presentation of a nasal polyp with epithelial dysplasia in a worker exposed to nickel and copper salt dust. Case report: A 27-year-old man complained of impaired nasal breathing and mild right-sided epistaxis. He was exposed to copper and nickel salt dust for 6 years. Clinical examination showed a polypoid lesion arising from the right middle turbinate. Histopathological examination of the excised lesion showed high-grade epithelial dysplasia. Duration of exposure and concentration of heavy metals in serum suggest the biological plausibility of exposure to these factors and development of epithelial dysplasia in the nasal mucosa. Conclusions: Epithelial dysplasia may occasionally be noted in inflammatory nasal polyps, especially in workers exposed to heavy metals.