humulene and Oropharyngeal-Neoplasms

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance in Canada. To date, no conclusive study has looked at the epidemiologic basis of marijuana use and head and neck cancer (HNC). Due to the imminent recreational legalization of marijuana in Canada, the epidemiologic relationship between marijuana use and HNC is becoming increasingly important.. To examine the epidemiologic characteristics of HNC patients who are recreational marijuana users.. This study was conducted at a single tertiary care centre from 2011 to 2014. Patients were enrolled consecutively at time of diagnosis of malignancy. Data was prospectively collected and included socioeconomic factors, alcohol/tobacco history, tumor characteristics, and treatment modality. Marijuana use was defined as current usage on an at least weekly basis.. Eight hundred seventy-nine patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Seventy-four (8.4%) patients were classified as marijuana users. Compared to non-users, marijuana users were less likely to be married (p = 0.048) and had less significant tobacco smoking history (p = 0.004). There were no significant differences between other socioeconomic factors or local and regional disease (p > 0.05). Marijuana users differed in the proportion of cancers stratified by primary site (p < 0.0001), with higher rates of p16+ oropharyngeal cancers, and treatment modality (p < 0.0001), with more use of chemoradiation.. HNC patients who were marijuana users were less likely to be married and smoke tobacco. They have a distinct cancer site prevalence and are more likely to be treated by chemoradiation. Understanding the epidemiological breakdown of marijuana users amongst HNC patients will be a useful adjunct for future studies.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Canada; Cannabis; Chemoradiotherapy; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Male; Marijuana Smoking; Marital Status; Middle Aged; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Socioeconomic Factors; Tobacco Smoking

Major risk factors for oral cancer are cigarette smoking and alcohol misuse. Among Asian populations, regular use of betel quid (with or without added tobacco) increases oral cancer risks. Dentists should be aware of some emerging risk factors for oral, and particularly oropharyngeal cancer such as the role of the human papillomavirus infection (HPV). Decreases in risk could be achieved by encouraging high fruit and vegetable consumption. Some controversies related to the aetiology of this disease also need clarification. The objective of this paper is to provide an opinion on these debated controversies.

Topics: Air Pollution, Indoor; Alcohol Drinking; Areca; Cannabis; Catha; Dental Deposits; Diet; Ethnicity; Heredity; HIV Infections; Humans; Ilex paraguariensis; Immunosuppressive Agents; Mouth Neoplasms; Mouthwashes; Nicotiana; Nicotine; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Polyomavirus Infections