Periodontitis as a risk factor for cancer

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic infection caused by inflammatory reactions in response to microorganism in endogenous dental plaque. The condition is characterized by epithelial proliferation and migration, release of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, prostaglandins, growth factor and enzymes all of which are closely associated with carcinogens. The link between periodontitis and systemic diseases has been examined since long, and there has been a notable increase in the interest in understanding the possible association with cancer. Aim of this review article is to review the published literature regarding chronic periodontitis as a risk factor for oral cancer. Relevant published studies were selected which states that chronic infection such as periodontitis can play a direct/indirect role in carcinogenesis.