What is it about tobacco that can cause cancer?
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What is it about tobacco that can cause cancer?
Chemicals from cigarettes damage DNA. Cigarette chemicals make it harder for cells to repair any DNA damage. They also damage the parts of DNA that protect us from cancer. It’s the build-up of DNA damage in the same cell over time that leads to cancer.
What are the main causes of oral cancer?
Causes
- Tobacco and alcohol use. Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarette smoking, puts you at risk for developing oral cancers.
- HPV. Infection with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (specifically the HPV 16 type) has been linked to oral cancers.
- Age. Risk increases with age.
- Sun Exposure.
How fast do jaw tumors grow?
The tumors usually grow slowly over many months or even years. For a while, the only symptom may be swelling in the back of your jaw. You also might have tooth or jaw pain.
Can you get oral cancer without smoking?
The relatively high incidence of mouth squamous cell cancer in nonsmokers, especially women, without obvious causes has been noted in other studies. Traditionally, head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) has been associated with the five “S’s” of smoking, spirits, syphilis, spices and sharp (or septic) teeth.
Why does mouth cancer occur?
Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects more than twice as many men as women. Most oral cancers are related to tobacco use, alcohol use (or both), or infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
How does chewing tobacco cause cancer?
It varies wildly: Chewing tobacco induces cancer by direct contact & by dissolving cancer producing chemicals in the saliva that pools in the floor of the mouth under the tongue. There are high school kids who develop cancer in a few years while others develop more slowly.
Does chewing tobacco cause cancer?
Some reports show an increased risk for cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, and stomach. Some research studies have shown an association between chewing tobacco use and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (such as heart attacks and stroke ).
What are the first signs of mouth cancer from chewing tobacco?
The most common symptoms of oral cancer include: Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
What are the long term effects of chewing tobacco?
The primary long-term effects of chewing tobacco include increased the risk for several different kinds of cancers,particularly oral cancers.