Occupational exposure to polyvinyl chloride as a risk factor for testicular cancer evaluated in a case-control study

Int J Cancer. 1997 Dec 10;73(6):828-30. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19971210)73:6<828::aid-ijc10>3.0.co;2-0.

Abstract

Occupational exposures were assessed in a case-control study on testicular cancer using self-administered questionnaires. In total, answers were obtained for 148 (91%) cases and 315 (87%) controls. Of the cases, 101 had seminoma and 47 had embryonal testicular cancer. An increased odds ratio (OR) was found for exposure to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) yielding an OR of 6.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.4-32). The risk increased further if cases with self-reported cryptorchidism or orchitis were excluded. Six of the 7 exposed cases had seminoma. Exposure to other types of plastics did not significantly increase the risk of testicular cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cryptorchidism / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / chemically induced
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Orchitis / complications
  • Plastics / adverse effects
  • Polyvinyl Chloride / adverse effects*
  • Risk Factors
  • Seminoma / chemically induced
  • Testicular Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / complications

Substances

  • Plastics
  • Polyvinyl Chloride