Studies Show Hepatitis C Virus Linked To Higher Risks Of Head, Neck Cancers

First Posted: Apr 23, 2016 06:18 AM EDT

Studies showed that people with hepatitis C could have higher risk of developing head and neck cancers, compared to individuals who dont have the virus. Hepatitis C virus has long been linked to other cancers, however, recent development showed that it can also affect the head and neck.

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The research that was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute noted that HCV is treatable and curable 90 percent of the time, which is why it is imperative for patients to get treatments as early as possible. The antiviral treatments for HCV can prevent certain cancers from developing.

Dr. Harrys Torres of the University of Texas and his team analyzed data on 35,000 patients in order to better understand cancer risks associated with the virus for ten years between 2004 and 2014. The group included 409 people with head and neck malignancies.

While this number does not seem too big, a total of 20 percent of the people in the study were found to have oropharyngeal cancers (tumors in the middle and back of the throat, tonsils, and back of the tongue) were found to have HCV as well. Another 14 percent with the same virus were found to have non-oropharyngeal cancers (tumors of the front and underside of the tongue, on the roof of the mouth, larynx, as well as gums and lips).

According to Reuters, Hepatitis C spreads when blood of an infected person travels to the body of an uninfected individual. These days, it translates to people sharing needles or injectibles, but HCV can also be transmitted during sex, or blood transfusions.

Today, testing for HCV is widely available. Dr. Thomas Quinn of Hopkins and the National Institure of Allergy and Infecious Diseases advised screening of the population and referring those who are positive to centers that can help treat HCV, as the treatment can help eliminate the associated cancer risks as well.