Trends leading to oral cancer

ABSTRACT

Oral health disparities have exacerbated since the popularity of chewable tobacco among the general population in Pakistan. Karachi South ranks second in the incidence of oral cancer and this frequency is steadily rising. Several molecular studies have shown a link between the use of chewable tobacco products and oral submucosal fibrosis. Oropharyngeal cancer, is being driven by HPV is now well known around the world. Studies in Pakistan on squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous oral lesions, found a high prevalence of Human Papillomavirus [HPV] in patients with male sex showing significant correlation with HPV infection. This paper highlights the causes and risks of the oral epidemic that is threatening our society