03/27c Environmental Pathology III Flashcards Preview

Exam 4 > 03/27c Environmental Pathology III > Flashcards

Flashcards in 03/27c Environmental Pathology III Deck (18)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What is the significance of the relationship between the nose, sinuses, and the brain?

A

Very little separates the upper airway from the brain, so infections or neoplasias in the upper airway can gain access to the brain

2
Q

What are the functions of the hairs in the nasal vestibule?

A

To prevent large objects from entering the nasal passageway

3
Q

What is the nature of the epithelium in the nasal passageway?

A

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium with cilia and mucous cells

4
Q

Why does the tip of the nose lengthen with age?

A

Gravity! Septal cartilage begins to stretch

5
Q

What is allergic rhinosinusitis?

A

A Type I hypersensitivity response
Allergen –> IgE –> mast cell degranulation –> histamine –> increased vascular permeability and edema
Characterized by presence of eosinophils

6
Q

What is perennial allergic rhinits?

A

Allergies associated with mites, dust, and dander

Similar to seasonal rhinitis, but with more goblet cells in the mucosa

7
Q

What can cause rhinitis?

A
Plant pollen
Mites, dust, and dander
Drugs
Food
Non-specific irritants (chemicals)
8
Q

What is vasomotor rhinitis?

A

Non-environmental rhinitis
Obstructive symptoms without rhinorrhea, sneezing, or itching
Characterized by goblet cells and thickened vessels, but NO eosinophils
Possibly due to hormones

9
Q

In what instances might there be metaplasia in chronic rhinitis?

A

Bacteria can produce substances which cause metaplastic changes in the respiratory epithelium

10
Q

What is the effect of chronically swollen nasal mucosa in children?

A

Chronic obstruction of nasal passages leads to constant mouth breathing, which can result in facial deformities in children

11
Q

What environmental exposures can cause sinonasal carcinoma?

A
Wood dust
Leather work
Heavy metals such as nickel or chromium
Formaldehyde
Smoking
12
Q

What cancers are associated with wood dust?

A

Squamous cell carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
Colonic-type adenocarcinoma

13
Q

Why does wood dust increase the risk of carcinoma?

A

Raw wood contains a number of organic and inorganic defense compounds, which can cause neoplasia
Toxic chemicals are added to wood as preservatives and hardening agents
Hard woods have higher concentrations of these agents because they are denser

14
Q

What is the major cause of polyps, nodules, and ulcers in the larynx?

A

Abuse of the voice!

15
Q

What are the major risk factors associated with laryngeal carcinoma?

A

Alcohol
Smoking
Males over 60

16
Q

What percentage of carcinomas are attributed to a combination of alcohol and smoking?

A

75%

17
Q

How does alcohol lead to increased cancer risk?

A

Ethanol can act as a solvent, enhancing penetration of carcinogens
Acetaldehyde is the primary toxic metabolite of alcohol - damages DNA

18
Q

What genetic factors play a role in risk of head and neck cancer?

A

Abnormal acetaldehyde dehydrogenase

Deficient glutathione S-transferase