Introduction/framework/objectives:

There are oncological pathologies in which it is possible that some occupational exposures can modulate their appearance. The aim of this review was to sumarize, in a succinct and practical way, the most relevant and recent published data on the subject, in the international literature, in relation to Esophageal Cancer.

Methodology:

This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”.

Contents:

Occupational risk factors associated are asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, acetaldehyde, nitrosamines and some dry cleaning solvents. However, occupational studies are reasonably scarce.

Several entities have classified asbestos as carcinogens in relation to the lung and pleura; however, in relation to the esophagus, the evidence is less intense. Still, some estimate that asbestos increases the risk by 2.38 times, even though the relationship between asbestos occupational exposure is not fully understood. They are classified as belonging to group 1 (human carcinogens). After inhalation, not all of the fibers are eliminated by macrophages; the accumulation of these potentiates the production of free radicals, causing eventual alterations in the DNA. If the fibers are removed quickly, there is no toxicity; therefore, their deposition and clearance will influence the oncological potential. The initial response is provided by macrophages, which in turn cause inflammation and tissue damage.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzopyrene, arise from the combustion of organic matter; are likely carcinogens and mutagens in humans. At the Occupational level, there are found in foundries, chimney sweeps, ovens, catering and incinerators; in this context, the main routes of entry are inhalation and cutaneous. Some genetic polymorphisms influence the damage.

Discussion and Conclusions:

There are some sectors/tasks/agents associated with Esophageal Cancer, with greater or lesser consensus in the international literature. All Occupational Health and Safety professionals working in these areas and all workers involved must be aware (at least briefly) of the associated conditions, in order to mitigate the risk. It would be interesting to assess their knowledge on this topic and understand, among the most relevant sectors at the national level, which concrete protection measures (collective and individual) are taken and what their respective effectiveness appears to be.

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