What are the causes of head and neck cancers?
The two most important risk factors for head and neck cancers are the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. At least 75 percent of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use. People who use tobacco and alcohol together have a higher risk of developing these cancers than those who use tobacco or alcohol alone. Tobacco and alcohol use are not risk factors for salivary gland cancers.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is especially associated with HPV-16 type cancer, and the oropharyngeal region containing the tonsil or tongue root increases the risk of head and neck cancers. While the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers due to other causes is decreasing in the world, the frequency of oropharyngeal cancer caused by HPV infection is increasing in the United States.
Other risk factors for head and neck cancers include:
Chewing betel nut and leaf: There is an increased risk of oral cancer in areas where betel nut and betel leaf are chewed together. This habit is especially found in immigrants from Southeast Asia.
Maté tea: Hot and excessive consumption of Paraguayan tea by South Americans can increase the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus and larynx.
Preservative or salted foods: Consumption of preservative or salted foods in childhood increases the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer.
Oral health: Poor oral hygiene, lack of teeth or frequent wounds in the mouth slightly increase the risk of oral cavity cancers. In particular, the development of frequent oral wounds due to dentures or teeth may cause a risk. Although it has been suggested that the use of mouthwash with high alcohol content may slightly increase the risk of oral cavity cancer, there are no studies supporting this yet. At the very least, I recommend that alcohol and cigarette users do not use alcoholic mouthwash.
Occupational exposure: Occupational exposure to wood dust increases the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer. There is controversial evidence of an increased risk of laryngeal cancer in industrial occupations exposed to asbestos and synthetic fibers. There may be an increased risk of laryngeal cancer in certain jobs, such as the construction, metal, textile, ceramics, timber and food industries. Industrial exposure to formaldehyde with wood or nickel powder is a risk factor for paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity cancers.
Exposure to radiation: Exposure to radiation to the head and neck region for any reason increases the risk of salivary gland cancers.
Epstein-Barr virus infection: Epstein-Barr virus increases the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer and salivary gland cancers.
Genetics: Family history in Asia and especially in China is a risk factor for nasopharyngeal cancer.
