Occupational factors associated to mycosis fungoides

Background. - The etiopathogeny of mycosis fungoides (MF) is multifactorial. The occupational risk factors of this type of lymphoma has been evoked by many authors, however, the association between these factors and the occurrence of MF remains controversial until now. In this context, we carried out a study whose objectives were to review the demographic aspects of mycosis fungoides (MF) and its clinical presentation and to identify the possible occupational factors incriminated in the genesis of this affection.Methods. - Case-control study, involving 28 cases of fungus mycosis managed in Dermatology during the period from the beginning of 2003 to the end of 2017; as well as 56 controls recruited from the accompanying persons of patients in a multidisciplinary consultation. The information was collected through a synoptic sheet, detailing the socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, professional history taking into accounts the different occupational exposures and medical data of cases.Results. - In our study, there was a male predominance with a sex-ratio of 2.2. The average age of our cases was 56.32 years. The risk of MF was higher among those who worked in the petrochemical sector and in the textile sector. We found significant associations between MF and pesticide exposure, solvent exposure, textile dust exposure and exposure to diesel exhaust.Conclusion. - The criminalization of occupational risk factors in the genesis of MF justifies an adequate prevention including establishing a strategy to eliminate or at least reduce the carcinogenic risk and a strengthening of periodic medical surveillance especially in high-risk sectors.