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What causes squamous cell carcinoma of the throat?
Doctor's response
Squamous cell carcinoma of the throat is the most common type of throat cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma of the throat is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells of the lining of the throat. The throat consists of the pharynx (the upper part behind the tongue) and the larynx (the voice box).
Causes and risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma of the throat include:
- Smoking
- Alcohol intake
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- HPV is a sexually transmitted disease contracted frequently through oral sex
- Exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus
- HIV
- Men, especially African American men, are at high risk
- Age over 65 years
- Exposure to chemicals such as hydrocarbons, nickel, asbestos, and wood dust
- Poor oral hygiene
- Genetics (rare)
References
Nikakhlagh, Soheila, et al.
Incidence of Etiologic Factors in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck in Ahvaz.
Spring 2012.
Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Throat Cancer Facts
Incidence of Etiologic Factors in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck in Ahvaz.
Spring 2012.
Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Throat Cancer Facts
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