Oral cancer is one of our top concerns at the Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. We strive to educate the public about risk factors, including tobacco use and HPV and to recognize signs of pathology, such as soreness and discoloration. Recently, the American Society of Clinical Oncology released a statement which warned that alcohol is also a major risk factor for many cancers, including oral cancer.
Why alcohol causes oral cancer is still unclear. Current understanding of the evidence indicates that alcohol breaks down the lining of the mouth and that when it rebuilds, its DNA is damaged, causing the tissue to be deformed. Distinguishing alcohol effects from tobacco effects had been a problem for a long time, but scientists are now confident that alcohol in any amount increases cancer risk. Heavy drinking and drinking combined with smoking are still more dangerous, but the type of alcohol consumed is irrelevant.
There is some good news. The same study also found that when people stop drinking, their risk of oral, oropharyngeal, and other aerodigestive tract cancers declines to the level of non-drinkers.
Drs. Bahram, Richman, Mohan and Dieu operate at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania at 2546 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19145. To schedule an appointment, call 215-463-4141 or visit OralSurgeryPA.com and fill out a contact sheet.
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