📝 “What is ‘Betel Quid’ & What is its Relation to Oral Cancer?”

8.27.24Quick Review #215 - #pathology #oralpathology #doctorgallagher #oralsurgery #oralsurgeon #dentist #dentistry #dental #oralcancer #betelquid #cancerBedel quid, also known as betel quid or paan, is a preparation that typically consists of betel leaf, areca nut, slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), and sometimes tobacco. This preparation is commonly chewed in various parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Middle East. Relation to Oral Cancer:Betel quid chewing is a significant risk factor for the development of oral cancer, particularly in regions where its use is prevalent. The carcinogenic potential of betel quid comes from several of its components:1. Areca Nut: Contains alkaloids such as arecoline, which have been shown to induce fibrosis and act as carcinogens.2. Tobacco: When included in betel quid, tobacco significantly increases the risk of oral cancer due to its well-known carcinogenic compounds like nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines.3. Betel Leaf and Slaked Lime: While these components are less directly carcinogenic, they contribute to the overall effects by facilitating the absorption of other harmful substances.Incidence of Oral Cancer:The incidence of oral cancer among betel quid users varies depending on factors such as frequency and duration of use, the presence of tobacco, and individual genetic susceptibility. However, research indicates that the continual use of betel quid substantially increases the risk of developing oral cancer:• Epidemiological Studies: Numerous studies have found a strong association between betel quid chewing and oral cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified both areca nut and betel quid with or without tobacco as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning there is sufficient evidence of their carcinogenicity to humans.• Relative Risk: The relative risk of oral cancer in betel quid users can range from 3 to 8 times higher compared to non-users, depending on the population studied and whether tobacco is included. For instance, studies in India and Taiwan have reported relative risks for oral cancer that can exceed 8 in long-term users of betel quid with tobacco.• Prevalence: In regions where betel quid use is common, the prevalence of oral cancer is significantly higher. In some South Asian countries, oral cancer ranks among the top three types of cancer due to widespread betel quid use.References:1. Mathieu, R. J., Cheraghi, N., & Russo, M. A. (2016). Betel quid induced irritant contact dermatitis of the hand. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 15(6), 789.2. Boffetta, P., Hecht, S., Gray, N., Gupta, P., & Straif, K. (2008). Smokeless tobacco and cancer. The Lancet Oncology, 9(7), 667-675.3. Warnakulasuriya, S., Trivedy, C., & Peters, T. J. (2002). Areca nut use: An independent risk factor for oral cancer. BMJ, 324(7341), 799-800.4. ChatGPT.2024#podcast #podcasts #dentalpodcast #dentalpodcasts #doctorgallagherpodcast #doctorgallagherspodcast #doctor #dentistry #oralsurgery #dental #viral #dentalschool #dentalstudent #omfs #surgeon #doctorlife #dentistlife #residency #oralsurgeon #dentist #doctorgallagher