title: Alcohol and oral squamous cell carcinoma.
abstract: Alcohol is a risk factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma. It enhances the permeability of the oral epithelium, acts as a solvent for tobacco carcinogens, induces basal-cell proliferation, and generates free radicals and acetaldehyde, which have the capacity to cause DNA damage. Alcohol-associated malnutrition and immune suppression may further promote carcinogenesis. However, acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol, is the critical agent by which prolonged and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages increases the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Alcohol also acts synergistically with the products of tobacco combustion in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
authors: Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus, South Africa. lfeller@ul.ac.za
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Feller
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Chandran
authors: R A G
authors: RA
authors: Khammissa
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Meyerov
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Lemmer
mesh_terms: D000079:Acetaldehyde / Q000378:metabolism; D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D004249:DNA Damage; D000431:Ethanol / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000503:physiopathology; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010539:Permeability; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D000431:Ethanol; D000426:Alcohol Dehydrogenase; D000079:Acetaldehyde