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The Sheffield nose--an occupational disease?
R Kayarkar1, A J Parker, J R Goepel
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, United Kingdom. ratan_kayarkar@yahoo.co.uk
Rhinology
|July 19, 2003
Summary
A silver polisher developed silver tattooing of the nasal mucosa. Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) confirmed the diagnosis by detecting silver isotopes.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Occupational exposure to metals can lead to unique health conditions.
- Silver deposition in tissues can mimic other pathologies, causing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A silver polisher presented with dark discoloration of the nasal mucosa.
- The clinical appearance raised suspicion for melanoma, a serious skin cancer.
Findings:
- Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was employed for elemental analysis.
- The analysis confirmed the presence of silver isotopes (107 and 109 m/z), identifying the cause as silver tattooing.
- This technique effectively differentiated metallic deposition from neoplastic lesions.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering occupational history in diagnosing mucosal lesions.
- Demonstrates the utility of advanced analytical techniques like LA-ICP-MS in identifying iatrogenic or environmental depositions.
- Contributes to understanding the long-term effects of occupational metal exposure on human tissues.