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. 2019 Apr 12:17:29.
doi: 10.18332/tid/105844. eCollection 2019.

Tobacco and oral squamous cell carcinoma: A review of carcinogenic pathways

Xiaoge Jiang  1 , Jiaxin Wu  1 , Jiexue Wang  1 , Ruijie Huang  1
Affiliations

Tobacco and oral squamous cell carcinoma: A review of carcinogenic pathways

Xiaoge Jiang et al. Tob Induc Dis. .

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco is one of the most important risk factors for premature death globally. More than 60 toxic chemicals in tobacco can invade the body's various systems. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a pathological type of oral cancer, accounting for over 90% of oral cancers. A vast quantity of scientific, clinical and epidemiological data shows that tobacco is associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and its carcinogenic pathways may be complicated.

Methods: We conducted a thorough electronic search by Cochrane, EMBASE and PubMed to identify relevant studies. Studies published up to the end of October 2018 were included. After assessing and selecting articles based on eligibility criteria, studies were classified and elaborated according to the pathogenesis.

Results: Tobacco as an important risk factor can cause epigenetic alteration of oral epithelial cells, inhibit multiple systemic immune functions of the host, and its toxic metabolites can cause oxidative stress on tissues and induce OSCC. In addition, some specific viruses such as EBV and HPV are thought to play a role in the development of OSCC.

Conclusions: Oral cancer ranks eighth among the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and tobacco is one the most important carcinogenic factors of OSCC. This review of the literature attempts to provide directions and ideas for future related research, and emphasizes the need for efforts to reduce tobacco consumption.

Keywords: carcinogenic pathways; oral squamous cell carcinoma; smoking; tobacco.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none was reported.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart of studies selection process
Figure 2
Figure 2
The possible carcinogenic pathways
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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