Risk factors for intraocular melanoma and occupational exposure

• Published in: British journal of ophthalmology Vol. 83; no. 10; pp. 1190 - 1193
• Main Authors: LUTZ, J-M, CREE, I A, FOSS, A J
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JR BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01-10-1999; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Age; Biological and medical sciences; Cancer therapies; Chemicals; Chemotherapy; Classification; Eye Neoplasms - etiology; Hair; Humans; Medical prognosis; Medical sciences; Melanoma; Melanoma - etiology; Metastasis; Occupational Diseases - etiology; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Occupations; Ophthalmology; Risk Factors; Skin cancer; Studies; Transportation services; Tumors; Tumors and pseudotumors of the eye, orbit, eyelid, lacrimal apparatus; Uveal Neoplasms - etiology; Human; Eye; Eye disease; Uvea; Risk factor; Malignant melanoma; Uvea disease; Malignant tumor; Occupational exposure
• ISSN: 0007-1161; 1468-2079
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.83.10.1190

[...]these results remain controversial 53 71-73 and the recent drop in incidence in the United States is further evidence that this is not a major factor. 7 Furthermore, dosimetry studies suggest that only 1-2% of incident radiation in the ultraviolet B range reaches the back of the eye. 74 Several studies have addressed the possible importance of genetic factors, following the demonstration of genetically determined predisposition in other cancers. 75-86 Clear evidence of a genetic component in uveal melanoma is the unbalanced racial risk with a strong predominance among white people and an absence among dark skinned people. 7 87 There is a clear racial predisposition which follows the same pattern as cutaneous melanoma. Occupation exposure cross linkage system (OEC) Bureau of census classification system (BOC) Agriculture, forestry, fishing 2.02 1.52 Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries Construction 0.49 0.53 Construction - 1.18 Manufacturing Paper and wood 1.04 Glass, clay, and stone 1.32 Metal 4.42 Machinery 0.33 Transportation methods, ship building, aircraft 0.67 1.23 Transportation, communications, and other public utilities - 1.08 Wholesale trade - 1.21 Retail trade - 0.60 Finance, insurance, and real estate - 0.88 Business and repair services - 0.71 Personal services Food and tobacco 1.33 Textile 0.77 Chemicals, drugs, and paints 0.24 Rubber, plastic, and synthetics 0.50 Leather 3.06 Medicine and science 0.73 Entertainment and recreation 0.82 3.02 Entertainment and recreation services - 0.55 Professional and related services - 1.06 Public administration Art 1.03 - 1.61 Others Other occupations with few chemical exposures 1.35 Significant at p<0.05.