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Oral Bacteria Linked to Pancreatic Cancer

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As far as cancer goes, that found in the pancreas is considered one of the least favorable.

It has a high fatality rate due to the fact that it is difficult to diagnose in early stages. It accounts for more than forty thousand deaths each year, typically claiming patients within six months of their diagnoses.

If there were ways to predict the onset of pancreatic cancer, it could save many lives each year. A recent study provides such hope, as it discovered a link between certain oral bacteria and cancer of the pancreas.

It has been known for some time that there was some link between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer, but this latest study, which was published in Gut suggests that detection of certain antibodies in the blood, tied to periodontal disease, could indicate the existence of cancer in the pancreas.

More than 800 adult participants provided blood samples in this study. Those samples were tested for antibodies linked to a bacterial strain known as Porphyromonas gingivalis.

The samples containing high levels of the antibodies demonstrated a two-fold risk for pancreatic cancer. This was followed by the study of detailed health histories and blood samples of 380 thousand participants, which came to the same conclusion.

This, of course, is not concrete evidence that the antibodies suggest cancer, as a weakened immune system could be the cause of both. However, it does point to a path scientists can follow for further information about a fatal condition.

Having headed the research, Jacques Izard and Dominique Michaud plan to continue their research.

For more information about what they have already discovered, keep reading the full article.

How ViziLite Plus Works for Detecting Oral Cancer

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Most people are willing to accept any type of diagnostic test that can help in the finding or preventing of cancer. However, that doesn’t mean that the patient should be left in the dark about how the test works. ViziLite is a new instrument used by the dental community for the purpose of early cancer detection.

In order to understand how ViziLite works, one must first grasp the changes that oral cancer causes.

When normal cells become cancerous, the nuclear DNA within them begins to replicate very quickly, which overloads the cell with the nuclei. A staining solution dries the cells out, which makes it easier to view changes within them. A low-intensity light wand is then passed over the surface of any potentially affected areas to check for changes to the nuclei. Abnormal cells will actually glow under the light, making them stand out from the crowd of normal cells.

The staining solution and light wand should cause no discomfort to the patient. Thus, the test is truly non-invasive and has proven very successful at recognizing potential dangers. TBlue, the stain can be applied with an easy three swab method, so it is used only in the areas of the mouth to be tested.

ViziLite is just one example of the numerous ways the medical and dental communities are working toward early detection and treatment of cancer. With this diagnostic aid, dentists can be quicker to react to potential problems and patients have a better chance of overcoming a cancerous outbreak.

Learn more about this dental tool here

Oral Cancer: Causes and Symptoms

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It’s one of the most feared words in the world: cancer.

The disease has torn families apart, taken loved ones at too young an age, and caused the most well-equipped scientists to scratch their heads in confusion. While it may not be entirely preventable, there are ways that a person can be better equipped to defend against its onset and recognize the symptoms for the earliest possible medical intervention.

Knowing the causes and the symptoms of the various strains of cancer is a great first step.

Oral cancer, which generally affects the soft tissue within the mouth, has few causes. That is good news for the patients who wish to prevent its onset.

The first and most important step to take if you wish to avoid contracting this form of cancer is to put out the cigarette. The use of tobacco is cigarette, cigar, pipe, or chewing form is the leading cause of oral cancer. In fact, it is linked to more than three-quarters of all diagnoses.

In addition to this, regular alcohol consumption, chronic irritation of the mouth tissue (biting, scratching, rubbing), and poor dental hygiene can increase one’s risk.

Also at higher risk are those people who contract oral HPV (human papillomavirus infection).

If you are concerned that you may have oral cancer, seek the immediate attention of your dentist. Signs that you are infected include an abnormal taste in the mouth, mouth sores, pain with swallowing, speck difficulties, sudden weight loss, and difficulty chewing.

With the use of microscopic tools and biopsy, the dental professional can diagnose the condition and help you on the next steps toward recovery.

To keep reading, visit the full article.