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Scientific Oral Presentations

Rhinology/Allergy

Session: Scientific Oral Presentation 3 - Rhinology and Allergy

Airborne Risks: Examining a Link Between Pollution and Sinonasal Malignancies

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
8:12 AM - 8:18 AM EDT
Location: 125
Disclosure(s):
Rachel Ann Akers, MS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: Sinonasal malignancies are rare, aggressive cancers influenced by environmental and behavioral factors. This study investigates the relationship between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and sinonasal malignancies, challenging assumptions about urban versus non-urban risks and providing insight into environmental determinants of sinonasal cancer.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 148 patients who underwent surgical treatment for sinonasal malignancies between 2014 - 2023 was conducted. Patients were included if demographic data and zip codes were available. Data extracted included zip codes, tumor characteristics, and confounding variables such as tobacco/alcohol use, and occupational exposures. PM2.5 exposure was calculated using U.S. EPA geospatial air quality data linked to patient zip codes, averaging exposure levels over nine years. Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and logistic regression, assessed associations between PM2.5 levels, area deprivation index (ADI), and tumor characteristics.

Results: PM2.5 exposure levels ranged from 8.89–10.31 μg/m³. The cohort was 65% male and 65% White, with an average age of 58 years (range: 15–96). Logistic regression models, controlling for ADI, smoking, alcohol use, and occupational exposures, revealed no significant association between ADI and malignancy types, including squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.44) and adenocarcinoma (p = 0.57). Mann-Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests found no significant difference in malignancy prevalence when stratified by PM2.5 exposure.

Conclusions: Our findings challenge the assumption that higher pollutant exposure is associated with increased risk of sinonasal malignancy. This study demonstrates the complex etiology of sinonasal malignancies and dispels the notion that “cleaner” air reduces cancer risk. Multi-institutional studies are needed to clarify pollution’s role in sinonasal tumorigenesis and identify modifiable risk factors to guide preventative strategies.

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Jacob M. Scott

    Medical Student
    Rush Medical College
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • SN

    Sushanth Neerumalla

    MS3
    Rush Medical College
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Presenting Author(s)

  • RA

    Rachel Ann Akers, MS

    Medical Student
    Rush Medical College
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • RA

    Rachel Ann Akers, MS

    Medical Student
    Rush Medical College
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Peter Filip, MD

    Assistant professor
    Rush University Medical Group
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Senior Author(s)

  • Peter Filip, MD

    Assistant professor
    Rush University Medical Group
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.