Alcohol and Oral Cancer: Comments on Related Mechanisms

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for the development of oral cancer, but the mechanisms involved in the damage caused by alcohol consumption are only partially understood. Certain alcohol levels cause an increase in the permeability of the oral mucosa, facilitating the penetration of carcinogens. Alcohol also increases epithelial proliferation and modifies the epithelial maturation process. Other alterations such as reduced capacity for DNA repair and disorders of the immune system and nutritional status can contribute to the development of oral cancer. Alcohol metabolism increases the production of free radicals and decreases anti-oxidative mechanisms, leading to oxidative stress. Gene polymorphism in the genes involved in alcohol catabolism may account for the difference in individual sensitivity. Some isoforms of these enzymes allow the accumulation of toxic metabolites like acetaldehyde, which damage DNA and other cell structures. Based on a literature review, the current article aims to establish a relationship between the various mechanisms involved in the effect of alcohol and carcinogenesis in the oral cavity.