Tobacco related oral cancer

Abstract

### What you need to know Oral cancer accounts for over 140 000 deaths annually across the world. Over 300 000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year.1 The incidence of oral cancer in the United Kingdom has increased by 68% over the past 20 years.2 Most oral cancers result from tobacco smoking or using tobacco in other forms.34 In the developed world, oral cancers linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are on the rise.56 Tobacco related oral cancer is an important contributor to lost productivity in developing countries from premature deaths.7 General practitioners (GPs) can play an important role in prevention and in early recognition of signs and prompt referral of patients. In this clinical update, we review the presentation of tobacco related oral cancers and provide guidance for GPs, dentists, and nurses on how to spot oral cancer and further management. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and poor diet together possibly explain about 90% of head and neck cancers.3 Smoking accounts for 75% of oral cancers in the United States,4 with higher risk for cancers of the larynx than for …