alcohol – Page 16 – Oral Cancer News

Oropharyngeal cancer epidemic and human papillomavirus

Source: www.foodconsumer.org Authors: Torbjörn Ramqvist and Tina Dalianis Abstract A growing body of research shows that human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common and increasing cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Thus, the International Agency for Research against Cancer has acknowledged HPV as a risk factor for OSCC, in addition to smoking and alcohol consumption. Recently, in Finland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, and Sweden, incidence of OSCC has increased, and an increase in the proportion of HPV-positive tumors was noted. On the basis of these data and reports indicating that patients with HPV-positive cancer have their first sexual experience at a young age and have multiple partners, we postulate that increased incidence of OSCC in the United States and some countries in northern Europe is because of a new, primarily sexually transmitted HPV epidemic. We also suggest that individualized treatment modalities and preventive vaccination should be further explored. Study In many countries, vaccines against some human papillomavirus (HPV) types are now administered to girls and young women with the goal of protecting them against HPV-induced cervical cancer (1,2). The introduction of HPV vaccines has also drawn more attention to the fact that HPV is associated not only with cervical cancer and genital warts but also with other tumors, such as head neck and anogenital cancers (3). We focus on the role of HPV in the increased incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the head and neck cancer in which HPV is most commonly found (4). [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-11-07T09:39:03-07:00November, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Beware the signs of mouth cancer

Source: www.pressandjournal.co.uk Author: Lisa Salmon Most people think of a mouth ulcer as a minor irritation that will disappear in a few days. Normally they’re right. But if the ulcer doesn’t heal and lasts longer than three weeks, it could be a sign of something more sinister: mouth cancer. Mouth, or oral, cancer, which can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat, is one of the UK’s fastest-growing cancers. In the past decade, incidences have risen by 41% and, of the 5,000 people diagnosed with the disease every year, it kills around 2,000 of them. That’s one every five hours. About 70% of mouth cancers are detected at a late stage, which dramatically reduces the chances of survival. Yet if the cancer is detected early, more than 90% of people survive. For that reason, the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) has organised Mouth Cancer Action Month. In November, the organisation aims to raise awareness of the condition – which recently struck the film star Michael Douglas – so that people recognise the warning signs and are regularly checked for mouth cancer by their dentist. Signs include ulcers which haven’t healed after three weeks and lumps, or red or white patches, in the mouth, all of which can be mistaken for something less serious. In addition, swelling below the neck or chin, pain when chewing or swallowing, or a feeling that you have something in your throat that can’t be swallowed, can also indicate the disease. If you have any of [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-10-31T11:01:56-07:00October, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Experts say oral cancer on the rise in younger people

Source: www.clickondetroit.com Author: staff It was the winter of 2002 when then-34-year-old Kelley Fish of Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., first spotted the lump that would change her life. "I was looking in the mirror, and I thought 'what the heck is that?' It was certainly visible," said Fish. Fish went to the doctor, who thought it was an infection and prescribed antibiotics. But two months later, the lump was still there. "Then they went forward and sent me to an ear, nose and throat specialist and finally had the lump removed," said Fish. Fish said the tumor was the size of a large grape, and it was malignant. Fish was diagnosed with stage 4 oral cancer. "I was horrified," said Fish. "They say you should never get on the Internet. The statistics were not in my favor at that point." Experts said oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses and throat. Stage four is the most advanced stage. Fish had surgery, 32 radiation treatments and three cycles of chemotherapy. The treatments left her fatigued and suffering multiple side effects. "It was hell, excuse my expression," said Fish. "I was unable to swallow after a period of time. I had burns, second- or third-degree burns, on my neck. It was the scariest moment or time in my life to say the least." Like most people, Fish had assumed oral cancer was something older men got, not 34-year-old women. "When I [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-10-26T09:06:40-07:00October, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

HPV causing “slow epidemic” of oral cancers

Source: www.medscape.com Author: Janis C. Kelly Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and might account for the steady increase in OSCC incidence, even in subjects who do not smoke or consume alcohol, according to Swedish researchers. A review of recent studies, conducted by Trobjorn Ramqvist, MD, and Tina Dalianis, MD, PhD, and published online October 13 in Emerging Infectious Diseases, suggests that changes in sexual practices are behind the surge in OSCC cases linked to sexually transmitted HPV. The key factors appear to be multiple sex partners, starting sexual activity at a younger age, and increased oral sex. The data are startling. For example, from 1970 to 2002, tonsillar cancer (which is the most common OSCC) increased in Stockholm, Sweden, by 2.8-fold, and by 2006/07, 93% of all tonsillar cancers in that city were HPV-positive. Dr. Dalianis, who is professor of tumor virology and the head of the Department of Oncology–Pathology at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, told Medscape Medical News that "we realized that there was an increase in HPV-induced tonsillar cancer, but we did not realize it was so eminent until we separated the 2 groups (HPV-negative and -positive tonsillar cancer cases) the way we did." The most common OSCC is tonsillar cancer, followed by base of tongue cancer. Overall 5-year survival for OSCC is about 25%, and HPV-positive OSCC generally has better clinical outcomes than HPV-negative disease. Dr. Dalianis said that HPV (most commonly type 16) was found in 45% to [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-10-26T08:52:15-07:00October, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Research shows lifestyle choices increase oral cancer risk

Source: www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk Author: staff Research conducted by a team at Aberdeen University has shown that lifestyle choices are increasing the risk of oral cancer. The study showed that young people are increasing their risk of developing forms of cancer known as upper aero-digestive tract by choosing to drink alcohol on a regular basis and smoke. Diet also plays a significant part and those with a poor diet, lacking in essential nutrients provided by fruit and vegetables, have a much higher risk of developing AEDT cancers. The study was conducted over a five year period; data from 350 patients under the age of 50 with AEDT cancer was analysed alongside data from 400 patients who did not have AEDT cancer. The study concluded that nine out of ten cases of cancer were associated with regular consumption of alcohol, smoking and a poor diet. Oral cancer is becoming increasingly common, yet many people are still aware of the symptoms and signs. Dentists are campaigning to raise awareness of oral cancer and increase the media profile so that people are aware of the importance of regular dental check-ups and know which signs to look out for. Common symptoms of oral cancer include white or red patches in the mouth, sores which do not heal and unusual swellings in the mouth or throat. The British Dental Health Foundation are launching Mouth Cancer Action Month in November; it is hoped that the events and programmes will educate people about oral cancer and encourage them to [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-10-13T14:31:13-07:00October, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Government Certified: What’s Causing Cancer — Research Summary

CANCER-INSIDE AND OUT: Cancer is one of the most prominent diseases in the world. According to the National Cancer Institute, "cancer is a renegade system of growth inside the human body. The changes that must occur inside for cancer to flourish are genetic changes, but factors outside the body also play a role." Outside factors, such as: diet, smoking, alcohol use, hormone levels, and even exposure to certain chemicals and viruses over time, can all work together to create defects and maturation in cells. Furthermore, they go on to explain that environmental, in science, means, everything outside the body, in the environment, that enters and interacts with it. This type of exposure can also include things such as: sunshine, rain, water, food intake, and workplace environment. Researchers have concluded approximately 67 percent of all cancers are due in some part to the environment. Feeling like you can't go anywhere now without being faced with cancer? The good news is these risks can decrease significantly if lifestyle changes are made. The National Cancer Institute suggests about one third of all cancer deaths could have been prevented if lifestyle changes were made, such as avoiding or completely eliminating tobacco and alcohol use. NOT JUST ON THE OUTSIDE: Environmental factors are not the only culprit when it comes to cancer. A lot of cancer is gene related and based on our composition from within. Random gene changes occurring now, as well as gene changes that occur from cell growth and division, accumulate and [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-10-08T11:32:47-07:00October, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Evidence-based dentistry – detect oral cancers early through dental exams

Source: www.tonguecancer.com Author: staff A recent posting on the American Dental Association web site describes an interesting study conducted by a panel convened by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, a sub-group of the American Dental Association. The panel, in conjunction with the ADA Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD) staff, reviewed five systematic reviews and four clinical studies to determine if dentists could detect oral cancers early through routine dental examination. The study panel examined four distinct questions in the detection of oral squamous cell carcinomas during routine dental exams: 1. Does routine dental screening reduce the likelihood of potentially malignant lesions on the tongue, cheeks, lips, gums and other parts of the oral cavity? 2. Do specialized treatments help dentists identify potential cancers during routine examinations? 3. Compared to examinations without specialized detection tools, can dentists identify trouble spots or should dentists use these specialized tools for the early detection of squamous cell carcinomas in the mouth? 4. Are there specific groups which benefit more from detailed, dental examinations – groups such as seniors, smokers, men, women and other groups within the larger study group? According to the panel’s report, “…while oral cancer screenings may detect potentially malignant and malignant lesions, clinicians are urged to remain alert to signs the lesions may become cancerous or early stage cancers while performing routine visual and tactile examinations in all patients, particularly those who use tobacco or consume alcohol heavily.” It’s been shown that any kind of tobacco use is a cause [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-09-30T14:29:24-07:00September, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Dentists don’t need tools to screen for oral cancer

Source: auburnpub.com Author: Dr. Michael Keating A comment from a patient the other day inspired this month’s topic. I had gone down to the room of one of the hygienists on my team to examine a patient at their six-month preventive therapy visit. I sat down and began examining the skin of the face and neck when the patient asked me what exactly I was looking for. It made me think. Maybe our patients don’t know what we are looking for as we dentists examine them. The exam is much more than coming in, picking up a mirror and explorer and checking just the teeth. Each dentist has their own method and technique of performing the exam. Rest assured, this important step is not missed. So what is it I am looking for? This particular patient that prompted me to discuss oral cancer asked me the question as I was looking along their hairline and lifting back their bangs so I could examine the scalp and forehead. If you were to look at the Skin Cancer Foundation website (www.skincancer.org) you would find that basal cell carcinoma is found mainly on the face, scalp, ears, neck, shoulders and back. Let’s see, four out of six of those are right front and center to me when I go to look at a patient at their recall exam. Sure makes sense for me to check! So for this patient I told them I was looking for any signs of skin cancer, and if [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-09-30T14:04:25-07:00September, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Nuances in the changing epidemiology of head and neck cancer

Source: Cancer Network Author: Daniel C. Beachler, MHS Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a heterogeneous group of malignancies caused by the traditional risk factors of tobacco, alcohol, and poor oral hygiene, as well as more recently identified roles of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).[1-3] We commend Kim and colleagues on their comprehensive review of the epidemiology of HNSCC. There has been a clear change in the epidemiology of HNSCC which has further accentuated differences in etiology, survival, and demographics among HNSCC patients. We will discuss several important nuances of this changing epidemiology, including the role of tobacco, race, sexual behavior, and gender, as well as HNSCC in nonsmokers and nondrinkers. As tobacco use has declined over the past several decades,[4,5] so has the number of cancers caused by tobacco and alcohol.[1,6,7] Continued decline in tobacco use and associated HNSCC is not guaranteed, however; in fact, some recent evidence suggests rates of tobacco use in the US may be stabilizing.[5] In contrast, the incidence of HPV-associated HNSCC has increased over the past several decades,[7] although it is unclear what is driving this change. The increasing incidence of HPV-associated HNSCC could be related to changes in oral sexual practices resulting in more oral HPV infection, or it may be explained by increased persistence and progression due to changes in relevant cofactors. Kim and colleagues noted in their review that HPV-associated HNSCC largely occurs among nonsmokers and nondrinkers. While it is true that HNSCC patients with HPV-associated disease [...]

Charlotte Parker2010-09-30T12:46:32-07:00September, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Michael Douglas talks cancer with Letterman: stage 4, 80% odds

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com Author: staff Michael Douglas says he faces an "eight-week struggle" against throat cancer but is optimistic about his chances for recovery. During an appearance Tuesday on David Letterman's "Late Show," the actor said he had just finished his first week of radiation and chemotherapy. That drew a surprised reaction from Letterman. "You've never looked better to me, and this proves that you're a tough guy, for God's sakes," the talk-show host said, drawing cheers from the studio audience, according to a CBS news release. "Let's just say ... I'm pretty lit up right now," Douglas replied. The disease was diagnosed three weeks ago, he said, although he had complained of a very sore throat earlier this year and had undergone testing that failed to find a cause. Douglas, 65, who has two children with Catherine Zeta-Jones, said he enjoyed the summer traveling with his family before returning to the doctor. A biopsy found he had late, stage-four cancer, "which is intense, and so they've had to go at it," he said. However, Douglas said, the cancer remains above the neck and that means expectations are good, with an 80 percent or better chance of recovery. Asked by Letterman about his personal habits, he said he had smoked and consumed alcohol. According to a National Institutes of Health website, use of tobacco or alcohol are among the factors that put people at risk of developing throat cancer. Combining tobacco and drinking increases the risk. Most throat cancer develops in [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-09-01T13:10:43-07:00September, 2010|Oral Cancer News|