Human Papilloma Virus vaccines may decrease chances of oral cancer

The Centers for Disease Control report that nearly 25 million women are infected with some form of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Of those, more than three million are thought to have one of the four strains known to cause cases of cervical cancer and genital warts.

HPV is linked to oropharyngeal cancer and may be linked to oral cancers as well, and vaccines that have been developed to treat HPV might decrease the risk of these cancers, according to a study in the May/June issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

James J. Closmann, BS, DDS, the lead author of the study, found that oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOSCC) have been linked to high-risk HPV strains, the same strains that cause cervical cancer.

Recently, a vaccine was developed to treat patients with HPV against cervical cancer, and this could have an effect on women’s oral health.

“More than 100 strains of HPV have been identified,” says Dr. Closmann. “They have been shown to cause other benign and malignant disorders, which now include those in the mouth. Nearly 30,000 new cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer are reported each year. It’s possible that oral and oropharyngeal cancers could be reduced if vaccination were more widespread; however, additional research is needed.”

Additional research could result in a comprehensive test for dentists at patients’ semiannual visits. However, a dentist can perform a head and neck exam to detect early signs, despite the lack of a specific test. A possible connection between HPV and oral cancers, and the stronger link to oropharyngeal cancers, is even more of an indicator that patients should visit the dentist twice a year to identify irregularities early.

“Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is an important factor in the detection of any oral health complication,” says Laura Murcko, DMD, spokesperson for the AGD. “Taking preventive measures is especially important, and your dentist can check for early signs of oral cancer.”

Oral Health Tips for Women:

-- Keep your dentist informed about changes in oral health.

-- Visit the dentist regularly, which will help them to detect changes in the mouth.

-- Ask your dentist to take a full medical history to determine if you are at risk for certain problems.

-- Ask your dentist to perform a complete a head and neck exam to detect early signs of certain conditions.

Source: Academy of General Dentistry

Related stories:

Warning for teens: Teeth and jewelry don't mix
Skin piercings might be the rage among teens, but researchers from Tel Aviv University have found good reasons to think twice about piercing one's tongue or lip.
Lack of dental care may have life-threatening implications
New research from the University of Bristol shows that admissions for the surgical treatment of dental abscess have doubled in the last ten years despite the fact that these serious infections are preventable with regular dental care. The findings, published in the British Medical Journal today, could reflect a decline of oral health, changes in access to dental treatment or changes in attitudes to dental care.
Premature tooth loss can affect oral health for years to come
The prospect of exchanging a tooth for that coveted reward from the tooth fairy often has kids wiggling teeth with vigor, but what happens when a primary or permanent tooth is lost prematurely due to trauma?
HPV, periodontitis work in tandem to increase risk of tongue cancer
Persons with periodontitis who also are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) are at increased risk of developing tongue cancer, new research conducted at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine has shown.
Researchers find evidence of periodontal disease leading to gestational diabetes
A study by a New York University dental research team has discovered evidence that pregnant women with periodontal (gum) disease are more likely to develop gestational diabetes mellitus than pregnant women with healthy gums.
Medications plus dental materials may equal infection for diabetic patients
People who live with diabetes on a daily basis are usually instructed to eat right, maintain regular physical activity, and if necessary, take medication. What many may not know is that these medications that help control healthy insulin levels may lead to unexpected events at the dentist’s office.
New automated system IDs victims of mass disasters in minutes
A new, high-tech identification system developed in Japan will improve accuracy and significantly reduce the time it takes to identify victims of mass disasters, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
Infection contributes to the high rates of oropharyngeal cancers
Though the overall incidence of head and neck cancers has fallen in the United States, the rate of oropharyngeal (chiefly, tonsil and base of tongue) cancers is stagnant and appears to be rising is certain populations and these trends are likely due to oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. A review published in the October 1, 2007 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, finds an increasing trend in the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers, particularly among men under 45 years old, for which HPV infection is the likely cause.

News discussion:

Medicine & Health news