Tobacco, Alcohol Not Always Cause of Oral and Head-And-Neck Cancers

About 35,000 Americans develop cancer of the oral cavity and other head and neck sites each year.

Posted on April 15, 2004 at 9:05 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — About 35,000 Americans develop cancer of the oral cavity and other head and neck sites each year. Although about 85 percent of these are tobacco and alcohol related, a UAB cancer specialist says a significant number occur in patients with little or no exposure to these products.

Dr. William Carroll, associate professor of surgery at UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham), says reduction in the use of tobacco and alcohol would help lower the number of people who contract the oral and head and neck cancers (OHNC), but wouldn’t eliminate it. “We have several cases a year of people diagnosed with this type cancer who do not have a history of tobacco or alcohol use,” Carroll said.

OHNC refers to a variety of cancers in the head and neck region, such as the oral cavity; the throat; paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity; the larynx, thyroid and salivary glands; the skin of the face and neck; and the lymph nodes in the neck.

The surgical specialist said the disease is difficult to treat if not diagnosed early. “We strongly urge careful regular examinations by a dentist or primary physician, as well as self-examination, so we can increase the likelihood of early detection of pre-malignant or malignant lesions. If any of the warning signs develop and persist for more than three or four weeks, a thorough head and neck examination is indicated. If detected early enough, the chance of successful treatment is increased greatly.”

“However,” he said, “many people don’t recognize the symptoms of these cancers, which makes screening very important, especially for those people who use tobacco and alcohol regularly.”

Common warning signs of oral and head and neck cancers are:

  • Red or white patch in the mouth that lasts more than two weeks.

  • Change in voice or hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks.

  • Sore throat that does not subside.

  • Pain or swelling in the mouth or neck that does not subside.

  • Lump in the neck.

Late stages of the disease produce ear pain, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing.