| Home | | | | | Patient Registration Forms | | | | | | | | | | | | | Pay Online |
|
Posted on 8/24/2017 by Olivia Ortega |
| The Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) recently found that individuals infected with the hepatitis C virus are two to five times more likely to develop head and neck cancers. The JNCI study found that the risk for hepatitis C patients of developing head and neck cancers more than doubled for oral cavity and oropharynx cancers, and increased nearly five times for larynx cancers. As well, patients that are hepatitis C virus-positive were also more likely to test positive for human papillomavirus (HPV). The question remains, how does hepatitis C virus increase oral cancer risk? The JNCI research found that patients infected with the hepatitis C virus had a higher odd ratio of having cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, or larynx than those without hepatitis C virus infection. Enhanced replication of hepatitis C virus in oropharyngeal tissues may in fact contribute to chronic inflammation, ultimately prompting cancer development. Human papillomavirus is known to suppress local immune response, which may accelerate the production of hepatitis C virus in oropharyngeal cells. The JNCI notes that human papillomavirus and hepatitis C virus may play a “synergistic role” in the development of oropharyngeal cancers by stimulating loss or destruction of tumor suppressor proteins p53 and retinoblastoma protein. The JNCI notes that one of the study’s limitations is that it didn’t include individuals with hepatitis C virus who didn’t have oral cancer. All and all, it is important to take away from The Journal of the National Cancer Institute’s study that it is important to educate Hepatology (study of liver, gallbladder and pancreas health) and infectious disease specialists. These doctors who treat patients with hepatitis C virus need to understand that the hepatitis C virus not only drastically affect liver health, but it’s also a systemic infection that can drastically affect oral health. Your oral health is important to us. If you suspect that your oral health is at risk, give Pacific Oral & Facial Surgery Center a call today and schedule an oral cancer screening! |
Board certified in Oral & Maxillofacial surgery The surgical specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery requires up to six additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training beyond dental school. |
Contact Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center Today! The first step to a healthier, happier you.Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday 7:00 am - 1:00 pm Livermore 1133 E. Stanley Blvd. #215 • Livermore, CA 94550Phone: 925-290-7727 Fax: 925-294-8800 Email: info@pacificofs.com Tracy 2160 W. Grant Line Road #160 • Tracy, CA 95377Phone: 209-835-4600 • Fax: 209-835-8833 Email: info@pacificofs.com |
Livermore: 925-290-7727
