Carcinoma of the Maxillary Antrum and Its Relationship to Trace Metal Content of Snuff

Abstract

Social habits and customs are related to different disease patterns. Snuff inserted in the nares has been shown to be associated with the incidence of antral carcinoma in the Bantu. Carcinoma of the maxillary antrum constitutes 45.5% of all the respiratory tract cancers in the Bantu. A pilot study was conducted to examine the trace metal content in samples of Swazi snuff by atomic absorption spectrometry. The metals analyzed were zinc, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and cadmium. Samples of soot from Swazi huts were also analyzed for the same metals. The Swazi snuff showed high concentrations of nickel, chromium, and zinc. Since nickel and chromium in some forms are known carcinogens, the association between carcinoma of the maxillary antrum and snuff may be prevented if the source of trace metal contamination is eliminated.