Chromium exposure and germinal embryonal carcinoma: first two cases and review of the literature

J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2015;78(1):1-6. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2015.958416.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the potential role of occupational exposures to chromium (Cr) in the onset of extragonadal germinal embryonal carcinoma. The first two cases of workers in a company with Cr exposure are reported. The published scientific literature regarding the topic in peer-reviewed journals including MEDLINE and CancerLit databases was extensively reviewed. Two young patients who were coworkers in the same company, exposed to Cr, developed extragonadal germinal embryonal carcinomas. One of them also developed angiosarcoma of the mediastinum. To the best of our knowledge these are the first two cases of germinal embryonal carcinoma in patients with occupational exposure to Cr.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Embryonal / chemically induced
  • Carcinoma, Embryonal / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Embryonal / pathology*
  • Chromium / toxicity*
  • Cisplatin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced
  • Occupational Diseases / drug therapy
  • Occupational Diseases / pathology
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Chromium
  • Cisplatin