New Delhi: World Head and Neck Cancer Day is an event organised to spread awareness about this group of diseases, its causes, symptoms, treatment options and more. But when it comes to this, there are several aspects of the disease that are till date unexplored, one of them being bacteria that may aggravate or suppress the cancer. But according to experts, there is a particular type of bacteria in the mouth which can make cancers melt but it is also associated with plaques and gum diseases.
How does the bacteria affect cancer risk?
Scientists have discovered that Fusobacterium can kill up to 99% of some types of cancers. It was found that people with head and neck cancers, who also had this tumour, were more likely to have better outcomes, as per the study. In the mouth, this bacteria is associated with plaquw buildup and gum diseases. The link is being looked at by experts at the Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London after they made the discovery.
In the new study, which was conducted with an international team of researchers, the effect of this bacteria on cancer cells was evaluated in a laboratory. Researchers performed the analysis on tumour data of 155 people with head and neck cancer. In the labs, the bacteria were left for days in petri dishes. When the same was inspected again for effects on cancer, it was found that the cancer had disappeared. 70-99% of the same had better chances of survival than those who did not. The bacteria, in case of head and neck cancers, can reduce the risk of death by 65%. It can also limit the growth of bowel cancers.
What are the symptoms of head and neck cancer?
The symptoms of head and neck cancer are:
Sore throat
White, red patches in the oral cavity
Ulcers that do not heal
Unusual pain or bleeding in the gums or swelling in a jaw
Difficulty in breathing
Hoarse voice
Pain in swallowing
Lump in the neck or on the face or nose
Loose teeth
Weight loss
Blocked sinus that does not clear
Nosebleeds
Scientists have discovered that Fusobacterium can kill up to 99% of some types of cancers. It was found that people with head and neck cancers, who also had this tumour, were more likely to have better outcomes, as per the study. In the mouth, this bacteria is associated with plaquw buildup and gum diseases. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
