Vaping the Venom: Oral Cavity Cancer in a Young Adult With Extensive Electronic Cigarette Use
Darren Klawinski, Issa Hanna, Nathaniel K. Breslin, Howard M. Katzenstein, Daniel J. Indelicato
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity is one of the most common malignancies of the head and neck. Risk factors for the development of SCC include infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), tobacco use, and alcohol use. HPV-positive SCC of the oral cavity is more commonly seen in young adult patients, whereas HPV-negative disease is more prevalent in older patients with histories of alcohol and tobacco use. We describe the case of a young adult with an extensive history of vaping using nicotine-delivery systems who was diagnosed with HPV-negative SCC that was rapidly progressive and fatal.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineOral cavityBasal cellYoung adultHead and neck cancerNicotineHuman papillomavirusCancerTobacco useCigarette smokingHead and neckInternal medicineDermatologySurgeryDentistryEnvironmental healthPopulationHead and Neck Cancer StudiesSmoking Behavior and CessationEar and Head Tumors