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Review
. 2021 Jul 1;26(4):e430-e436.
doi: 10.4317/medoral.24270.

Periodontitis as a risk factor for head and neck cancer

L-M Gasparoni  1 , F-A Alves, M Holzhausen, C-M Pannuti, M-S Serpa
Affiliations
Review

Periodontitis as a risk factor for head and neck cancer

L-M Gasparoni et al. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. .

Abstract

Background: Periodontitis may be associated with the development of head and neck cancer (HNC). A literature review was conducted to understand the possible association between them.

Material and methods: Articles published in the PubMed database from January 1999 and May 2020 were retrieved. Limitations of the studies and biological mechanisms were discussed.

Results: A total of 4,232 articles were found. Of these, 13 were analyzed according to inclusion criteria. Most papers found some association between periodontitis and HNC, although differences in periodontal evaluation, sample size, study design and tumor sites were observed. Porphyromonas gingivalis appears to increase the chance of both diseases, and it may be one of their main potential risk factors. Genetic predisposition is increased by exposure to environmental factors which can directly induce epigenetic changes that contribute to these diseases.

Conclusions: Understanding the mechanisms related to periodontitis and HNC has increased, however, well-designed clinical studies are needed for better conclusions. Furthermore, the advent of multiple "omic" technologies will help comprehend their possible association.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Risk factors for periodontitis and cancer: Modifiable (smoking, diabetes mellitus, psychological factors, and lifestyle factors - such as diet and alcoholism) and non-modifiable risk factors (host response and genetic factors).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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