Laryngeal carcinoma and professional exposure: Critical review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse have always been considered the risk factors most involved in the etiology of laryngeal carcinoma. In recent years Literature has been increasingly questioning the possible etiological role of occupational exposure factors, both as complementary risk factors to smoking and alcohol and as indipendent risk factors. The aim of this paper was to take stock of the main occupational risk factors that could affect, independently and/or complement, on the development of laryngeal carcinoma. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A careful analysis of the Literature regarding the possible etiological role of the professional activity in laryngeal neoplasia has been carried out, focusing mainly on the years 1990-2017. In total 2200 articles were consulted, of which 71 were the most relevant and significant. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Many substances and professional activities have been identified that would seem to play an active role in the etiopathogenesis of the tumor. Prolunged exposure to inorganic powders and vapors, to numerous chemicals and materials in the mechanical industry are currently showing an active role in the disease determinism. CONCLUSIONS: The numerous reports in the Literature make us suspect that some professional exposures can contribute to the development of the neoplasia in a significant way. It is important, in our opinion, to continue to investigate this risk factor with the aim of improving more and more primary prevention programs and reducing the neoplastic risk in the professional field.