title: Marijuana smoking--possible cause of head and neck carcinoma in young patients.
abstract: Six cases of advanced head and neck cancer in young patients, who were regular marijuana users, are presented. Numerous carcinogens, as well as respiratory irritants, are found in marijuana smoke. The active euphoria-producing agent, delta-9 tetrahydrocanabinol, has been implicated in altered DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and consequent chromosomal aberrations.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002188:Cannabis; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology*; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000633:toxicity; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008048:Lip Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D013759:Dronabinol