Opium usage as an etiologic factor of oral cavity cancer.
Paraules clau
Resum
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of opium in causing oral cancer.
METHODS
Eighty patients and 80 selected matched controls who were referred to the ear-nose-throat department of an academic hospital were included in this study between October 2008 and September 2010. In addition to demographic data, information regarding alcohol, tobacco, and opium use was documented in the subjects. Finally, the effect of each risk factor was assessed.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in patient demographics between the 2 groups. Smoking (P = 0.042) and poor oral hygiene (P = 0.016) significantly correlated with cancer. Finally, opium addiction showed a significant relationship with oral cavity cancer with an odds ratio of 4 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-13.6).
CONCLUSIONS
Opium use is among the possible risk factors for oral cancer.
