Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer are malignancies that develop in the mouth, throat, tongue, or tonsils. Risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, as well as infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the location and stage of the cancer. The assessment of the Polygenic Risk Score for oral cavity and oropharynx cancer is based on examining 6 gene polymorphisms.
Genetic testing for oral cavity and oropharynx cancer is included along with 14 other diseases in the Genetic Screening for Gastrointestinal Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score, as well as in the Genetic Screening for Neoplasms and Precancerous Malformations, Polygenic Risk Score, along with 19 other diseases.
Causes and non-genetic risk factors
This type of tumor has a fundamentally environmental cause, predominantly related to tobacco and alcohol consumption. However, oral infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is increasingly relevant, especially in non-smoking and non-drinking patients. In addition, vitamin A and C deficiency, poor oral hygiene or poorly fitted dentures, other Epstein-Barr virus infections, or exposure to ultraviolet radiation in outdoor workers have also been related to oropharyngeal and oral cavity tumors.
Symptoms
They frequently appear after the age of 50 years with very variable clinical forms depending on their location:
- Lesions on gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth are of whitish or red color.
- Ulcers or sores on the lip or in the mouth that do not heal well.
- Constant bleeding from the mouth.
- Mouth pain, sore throat, swelling or pain in the jaw, ear pain.
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing, moving the jaw or tongue.
- A foreign body sensation is trapped in the throat and does not go away.
- Changes in the tone of voice or nasal voice.
- A lump or thickening of the lips, mouth, cheek, neck, or back of throat.
- Loosening of the teeth or pain around the teeth, dentures that do not fit well or are uncomfortable.
- Weight loss.
Many of these symptoms may be present due to different diseases or even other types of cancer. If any of these symptoms are prolonged over time, it is important to see a physician or dentist to identify the cause.
Prevention
Preventive measures focus on avoiding risk factors:
- Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol as they are the most critical risk factors. In addition, the combination of both increases the carcinogenic effect of tobacco. Quitting tobacco also dramatically reduces the risk of developing these cancers, even after years of use.
- Avoid HPV infection, often associated with sexual transmission, or get vaccinated against it, preferably at a young age, although adults can also be vaccinated.
- Limit exposure to ultraviolet light, or in case of sun exposure, protect the head from the sun, and use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor of at least 30.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and eating pattern based on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting or avoiding red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods can help reduce the risk of these cancers (and many others).
- Get regular dental checkups and maintain proper dental hygiene.
