Vaccine may decrease chances of oral cancer

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines may decrease chances of oral cancer according to a recently published study. HPV is linked to oropharyngeal cancer and may be linked to oral cancers as well, and vaccines that have been developed to treat it might decrease the risk of these cancers, according to a study in General Dentistry (2007; 55: 252–254), the journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Dr James J. Closmann, lead author of the study, found that oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOSCC) have been linked to high-risk HPV strains, the same strains that cause cervical cancer. He adds that recently a vaccine was developed to treat patients with HPV against cervical cancer and this could have an effect on women's oral health.

'More than 100 strains of HPV have been identified and have been shown to cause other benign and malignant disorders, which now include those in the mouth. Nearly 30,000 new cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer are reported each year. It is possible that oral and oropharyngeal cancers could be reduced if vaccination were more widespread; however, additional research is needed,' says Dr Closmann.

Further research could result in a comprehensive test for dentists at patients' semi-annual visits. However, a dentist can perform a head and neck exam to detect early signs, despite the lack of a specific test. A possible connection between HPV and oral cancers, and the stronger link to oropharyngeal cancers, is even more of an indicator that patients should visit the dentist twice a year to identify irregularities early, Dr Closmann added.