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Mouth Cancer Risk Factors
By peace | July 5, 2006
Patients with head and neck cancer that smoke are more likely to develop spread of the cancer to their lymph nodes and once in the nodes the cancer is more likely to spread into the soft tissues. Use of tobacco products produces changes in all of the cells that are exposed. Thus, the entire oral cavity, lungs are larynx are at risk for developing tumors.
Understanding the causative factors of cancer will contribute to prevention of the disease. Age is frequently named as a risk factor for oral cancer, as most of the time it occurs in those over the age of 40. The age of diagnosed patients may indicate a time component in the biochemical or biophysical processes of aging cells that allows malignant transformation, or perhaps, immune system competence diminishes with age.
However, it is likely that the accumulative damage from other factors, such as tobacco use, are the real culprits. It may take several decades of smoking for instance, to precipitate the development of a cancer. Having said that, tobacco use in all its forms is number one on the list of risk factors. At least 75% of those diagnosed are tobacco users.When you combine tobacco with heavy use of alcohol, your risk is significantly increased, as the two act synergistically.Those who both smoke and drink, have a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer than others.
Tobacco and alcohol are essentially chemical factors, but they can also be considered lifestyle factors, since we have some control over them. Besides these, there are physical factors such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This is a causative agent in cancers of the lip, as well as other skin cancers. Cancer of the lip is one oral cancer whose numbers have declined in the last few decades. This is likely due to the increased awareness of the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight, and the use of sunscreens for protection. Another physical factor is exposure to x-rays. Radiographs regularly taken during examinations, and at the dental office, are safe, but remember that radiation exposure is accumulative over a lifetime. It has been implicated in several head and neck cancers.
Biological factors include viruses and fungi, which have been found in association with oral cancers. The human papilloma virus, particularly HPV16 and 18, have been implicated in some oral cancers. HPV is a common, sexually transmitted virus, which infects about 40 million Americans. There are about 80 strains of HPV, most thought to be harmless. But 1% of those infected, have the HPV16 strain which is a causative agent in cervical cancer, and now is linked to oral cancer as well. There are other risk factors which have been associated with oral cancers, but have not yet been definitively shown to participate in their development. These include lichen planus, an inflammatory disease of the oral soft tissues.
There are studies which indicate a diet low in fruits and vegetables could be a risk factor, and that conversely, one high in these foods may have a protective value against many types of cancer.
Oral cancer is a serious problem affecting the soft tissue and bone of the face and mouth.
It can be disfiguring and deadly. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 30,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Over 7,000 oral cancer related deaths are expected. The incidence of oral cancer and death rate has been declining since the late 1970’s. This is probably due to a decrease in smoking and alcohol consumption, both of which are risk factors for the disease.
The likelihood of getting oral cancer and suffering its negative effects can be lessened. First, decrease your risk factors. If you use tobacco products such as cigars, cigarettes, snuff, or chewing tobacco, stop. Drink alcohol in moderation. Use sun blocking lip balm or lipstick. Prevention Of Mouth Cancer
Almost all cases of mouth cancer are preventable. 80% of cases are thought to be due to tobacco, alcohol or a combination of bot. Unhealthy diets may account for 10-15% of cases. You can prevent mouth cancer by:
Tongue and Oral Cancer Screening People at high risk of oral or tongue cancer should be screened for the disease once a year. High-risk individuals are generally those who smoke, use smokeless tobacco, or snuff. Heavy drinkers should also consider being screened for tongue cancer on a regular basis. Topics: All Posts | No Comments »
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