Oral cancer risk factors

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Simrat Sarai, M.D. [2]

Overview

The most potent risk factor in the development of oral cancer is alcohol intake and tobacco use. The risk factors include male gender, age over 55 year, ultraviolet light, Fanconi anemia, Dyskeratosis congenita, HPV infection, Graft-versus-host disease(GVHD), mouthwash and irritation from dentures.

Risk Factors

The most potent risk factor in the development of oral cancer is alcohol intake and tobacco use. It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral cancers are linked to modifiable behaviors such as tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. The risk of developing oral cancer depends on the duration and frequency of tobacco use. About 70% of people diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy drinkers. This risk is higher for people who use both alcohol and tobacco. For people who smoke and drink heavily, the risk of oral cancer may be as high as 100% more than the risk for people who do not smoke or drink. Other risk factors include:

• Lifestyle
  • Betel quid
• Genetics
  • Fanconi anemia
  • Dyskeratosis congenita
  • Family history of Squamous cell carcinoma
• General
  • Male gender
  • Ultraviolet light
  • Age over 55 year
• Other risk factors
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV type 16, also known as HPV-16.
  • Graft-versus-host disease(GVHD)
  • Immune system suppression
  • Lichen planus
• Unproven risk factors
  • Mouthwash
  • Irritation from dentures