Head and neck cancers in non smokers worrying, say oncologists
Posted on: 28/Jul/2015 10:49:25 AM
Oncologists in India are taken aback at the increase in head and neck cancers in non smokers. Head and neck cancers have, till now, been believed to be caused by tobacco usage.
Say oncologists, "The other noticeable trend is the Human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a DNA virus, causing head and neck cancers among non-tobacco consuming community... High-risk HPVs cause several types of cancer, but it was found only recently that they were also behind head and neck cancers. They were earlier known to cause cervical and anal cancers. But now many cases of tonsil and other head and neck cancers too are being linked to HPVs, which is worrying... It is a different virus strain. HPV is one of the causes or has a high predilection for head and neck cancers among non-smokers and non-chewers. Those who are immuno-compromised are more prone to HPVs which lead to head and neck cancers. HPV is more commonly found in tonsillar cancer than in other head and neck cancers. The importance of HPV status in tonsillar cancer for prognosis remains unclear... We advise women to get the pap smear done regularly."
