Oropharyngeal cancer, sometimes referred to as throat cancer, is the growth of malignant cells in the tonsil, pharynx, or larynx tissues. It is a kind of head and neck cancer that can impact many areas of the throat, including the voice box, soft palate, and base of the tongue. There are a wide range of potential causes for throat cancer, including hereditary and way-of-life variables. We will go through seven potential causes of throat cancer in this article.
1. Alcohol and tobacco use
Use of tobacco, whether in the form of cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco, is one of the main causes of throat cancer. Many dangerous substances included in tobacco raise the risk of cancer and can injure throat cells. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of throat cancer since it might irritate cells and make them more susceptible to developing malignant alterations. Drinking drinking and using cigarettes together increases the risk of throat cancer by up to 35 times, making it an especially deadly combo.
2. H. papilloma virus (HPV)
Having the human papillomavirus is another significant risk factor for developing throat cancer (HPV). Cervical cancer, anal cancer, and throat cancer are just a few of the many cancers that HPV, a sexually transmitted infection, can cause. The HPV-16 and HPV-18 strains are the most frequently found ones to cause throat cancer. Younger people are more likely to develop throat cancer linked to HPV, and men are more likely to develop it than women. However, not all throat cancer cases are brought on by HPV, and not everyone who has the virus will get cancer.
3. Bad nutrition and diet
The onset of throat cancer can also be influenced by a poor diet and nutrition. A diet that is low in fruits and vegetables and high in processed foods, red meat, and saturated fats can raise your chance of developing cancer. Contrarily, a diet high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can aid in cancer prevention. Furthermore, a lack of key nutrients, such as zinc, folate, and vitamin C, might weaken the immune system and increase the risk of cancer in the body.
4. Exposure to contaminants and chemicals
Moreover, exposure to specific toxins and chemicals can raise the risk of throat cancer. Those who work in fields where asbestos, wood dust, or nickel exposure is common are more likely to get throat cancer. Similar to this, being exposed to air pollution like smog or car exhaust can also raise your risk of developing cancer. Pollutants and chemicals have the ability to alter DNA within cells and cause cancer.
5. Persistent acid reflux
A condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), often known as chronic acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid rushes back into the esophagus and irritates the lining. Chronic acid reflux raises the risk of cancer over time by inflaming and harming the cells in the throat and esophagus. Individuals with chronic acid reflux should get medical attention and alter their lifestyles to lessen the symptoms.
6. Genetic influences
The majority of throat cancer cases are brought on by environmental and lifestyle factors, however some cases may also be brought on by genetic causes. Persons may be more likely to get the disease themselves if there is a family history of throat cancer. Furthermore, some genetic changes, such those in the TP53 gene, have been linked to a higher risk of throat cancer.