Causes of Oral Cancer & Risk Factors

Conditions & Diseases: Cancer

Oral Cancer

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of oral cancer are not known, but there are a few factors which increase the risk for oral cancer. These risk factors are:

Smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars: This is one of the main risk factors that causes oral cancer. Smoking cessation represents one of the most effective prevention approaches.

Use of smokeless tobacco: The risk for oral cancer is also increased when people use smokeless tobacco such as plug, leaf, and snuff.

Excessive consumption of alcohol: This is another risk factor that directly causes oral cancer. Studies conducted in developed countries suggest that tobacco and alcohol, together, increases the risk for oral cancer by almost 80 percent because they act synergistically.

A deficient diet: The lack of vitamin A, C, and E, iron, selenium, and folate in the diet can increase the risk for oral cancer. Doctors recommend a low-fat, high-fiber diet rich in vegetables and fruits.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation without proper sunscreen protection: The risk for lip cancer is high when exposed to the sun without a proper protection.

Infection with viruses: There are several viruses that seem to increase the risk for oral cancer:

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) - are a diverse group of DNA-based viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes within the human body. Studies suggest that infection with HPV 16 and 18 (sexually transmitted viruses) increase the risk for oral cavity cancer and oropharynx cancer.
Epstein-Barr virus - is a virus from the herpes family that causes an asymptomatic infection called infectious mononucleosis (a medical condition common among young adults and adolescents, characterized by fever, sore throat, muscle soreness, and fatigue, and sometimes, with a development of white patches on the tonsils or in the back of the throat). The connection between the Epstein-Barr virus and oral cancer is still being investigated.
Herpes simplex viruses causes a viral infection. The connection between this virus and oral cancer is still being investigated.

Medical treatments: Patients that undergo a renal transplant are at a higher risk to develop lip cancer. This risk might be linked to the immunosuppressant effect that can follow the transplant.

Poor oral cavity hygiene and ill-fitting denture: These two factors can increase the risk for developing oral cancer when associated with tobacco use and alcohol consumption, offering a perfect location for tumors to develop.

Age: Men over the age of 40 are at higher risk for developing oral cancer.

Race: African Americans are at higher risk than Caucasians to develop oral cancer.

Gender: Men are at higher risk than women to develop oral cancer.

Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com

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Page Last Modified:
10/14/2010