18 Apr Mouth and Throat Cancers Increasing in Frequency

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Adam Jacobson

Adam S. Jacobson, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Associate Director, Head and Neck Surgery
NYU Langone Medical Center and
Perlmutter Cancer Center

MedicalResearch.com Editor’s note: Dr. Jacobson is an Otolaryngologist, an Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) physician specializing in the diagnosis of head and neck tumors and cancers, including cancers of the mouth and throat. Dr. Jacobson discussed oral (mouth) and pharyngeal (throat) cancers in recognition of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week.

MedicalResearch.com: How prevalent is the problem of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer?  Is this type of cancer becoming more frequent?

Dr. Jacobson: Oropharynx cancer is currently on the rise. 

MedicalResearch.com: Have HPV-induced cancers become more common?

(Note HPV or Human Papilloma Virus is a virus associated with various wart infections.)

Dr. Jacobson: Yes – Specifically tonsil and base of tongue cancer.

MedicalResearch.com: What role does chewing tobacco play in these types of cancers?

Dr. Jacobson: Chewing tobacco is a risk factor for developing oral cancer.

MedicalResearch.com: What type of surveillance is indicated for Oral, Head and Neck Cancer?  Should screening be done in everyone or in select groups? Should testing be performed by a dentist, primary care physician, ENT physician?

Dr. Jacobson: Dentists should act as a front line in the process of screening for oral cancers.  During their routine exams they should be examining the entire mouth.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there a ‘PAP Test’ for cancer screening or a ‘liquid biopsy’ available?

Dr. Jacobson: No.

Last Updated on April 18, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD