OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER: PATHOLOGICAL LINK BETWEEN ORAL SEX AND SMOKING

Hello STEEMIANS, this is Dr. Mfon Udoudo, your online health care provider on Steemit. Today, I'll be launching a series beginning from the concept of oral sex. Thank you as you stop by to get educated.

INTRODUCTION:

Decades ago, oral cancer was completely unheard of (especially amongst women). Patients were nearly almost male (over 50 years), due to heavy drinking and smoking.

Research statistics support the claim that oral sex increases the risk of oropharyngeal cancer.

However, oral sex practices are mostly done by young sexually active males and females. Studies indicate that between 14% and 50% of adolescents first experience oral sex before sexual intercourse. You should probably ignore the fact that most of them carry innocent faces.

Though we act holy and rarely talk about sex, it doesn't change the fact that STDs are everywhere. This write up is aimed at explaining how human papilloma virus (infection that should be present in the genital regions) trigger mouth problems (oropharyngeal cancer).

TYPES OF ORAL SEX:

There are various types of oral sex, depending on the exact body region it is being carried out on. You know the one you use to do anyways, 😂They include:

1. Fellatio: This is also known as oral penile contact. It is the stimulation of the penis by the mouth.

2. Cunnilingus: This is the stimulation of the woman's vagina and/or vulva (especially the clitoris) with the lips and tongue. It is also called oral vaginal contact.

3. Analingus: Though weird to so many people, this act involves the stimulation of the anus with the tongue and lips.

Link -Wikipedia - Achille DevériaLicense CC BY-SA 3.0

Risks Associated With Oral Sex Practices:

When compared to vaginal sex, oral sex is mostly considered to be 'infection-free and simple'. However, it is worthy of note that this is a jeopardizing fallacy.

Pregnancy might not be an outcome of oral sex, but sexually transmitted infections (such as herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, etc) may result from these practices.

OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER:

As earlier stated, aside from sexually transmitted infections, oral sex can increase the risk of throat cancer. It is important to note that, oral sex does not directly cause throat cancer, but it is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) acquired from the practice.

There are more than 100 types of HPV, and around 15 are associated with cancer. The subtypes of human papilloma virus (HPV-16) found in the mouth are mostly sexually transmitted. According to research, it is estimated that 35% of throat cancers are infected with HPV.

The only possible route that clearly explains how HPV (a genital infection) could get to the mouth is through oral sex. Unfortunately, there is no known 100% effective vaccine for the treatment of HPV infection. Nevertheless, based on research, the body's immune system clears 90% HPV infection on its own in majority of cases (after 2 years).

Link Between Oral Sex And Smoking in Oropharyngeal Cancer:

As earlier stated, majority of HPV are cleared by the body's immune system. But for individuals that smoke, they're less likely to be able to clear HPV infections, because smoking damage immune cells.

Link - Wikipedia - Édouard-Henri Avril[License CC BY-SA 3.0](Public Domain)

TREATMENT OF OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER:

HPV-related cancers respond readily to chemotherapy and radiation. This is possible if there are detected early. This is why dental screening should be done regularly.

CONCLUSION:

Although the risk of sexually transmitted diseases are far greater during vaginal and anal sex; oral sex (in cases of bleeding gum, lip sores, and cuts etc) also is not infection-free as well. It's worthy of note that HPV infection could stay dormant and undetected for a long time until it forms precancerous cells. So you see, even someone that looks healthy might be infected.

Though it sounds unrealistic, abstinence is the best way to prevent HPV-related oral cancer. Use of protection and being faithful to one partner is vital in decreasing the chances of getting infected. Also, since smoking has negative impact on the immune cells, it only worsen cases of HPV oral infection.

Stay healthy dear friends.

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