[Argyrosis of the nasal mucosa (author's transl)]

Two cases of argyrosis of the nasal mucosa are described and special histological features of the silver particle in tissue-samples were demonstrated. One of the patients had inhalative contact with silveroxide preparations for at least 6 years; in the second case the local argyrosis was associated with a malignant lymphoma of the nasopharynx. Due to patient non-compliance no further investigations could be made to evaluate a cancerogenic influence of the metal pigment. A description of other possible exogenic and endogenic pigments is given with special emphasis on cancerogenic effects.