Infectious causes of cancer
Overview[edit | edit source]
Infectious causes of cancer refer to cancers that are initiated or promoted by infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These agents can lead to cancer by causing chronic inflammation, altering the host cell's genetic material, or suppressing the immune system.
Viral Causes[edit | edit source]
Several viruses are known to be associated with cancer in humans. These include:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains of HPV are linked to cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the anus, oropharynx, and other genital areas.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV): Both viruses are associated with liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): This virus is linked to several types of cancer, including Burkitt's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and some forms of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1): Associated with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.
- Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV): Linked to Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer that often affects individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.
Bacterial Causes[edit | edit source]
Certain bacteria have been implicated in the development of cancer:
- Helicobacter pylori: This bacterium is a well-known cause of gastric ulcers and is strongly associated with gastric cancer. Chronic infection with H. pylori can lead to inflammation and changes in the stomach lining, increasing the risk of cancer.
Parasitic Causes[edit | edit source]
Some parasites are also linked to cancer development:
- Schistosoma haematobium: Infection with this parasite is associated with bladder cancer, particularly in regions where schistosomiasis is endemic.
- Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis: These liver flukes are linked to cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer of the bile ducts.
Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis[edit | edit source]
Infectious agents can contribute to cancer through several mechanisms:
- Chronic Inflammation: Persistent infection can lead to chronic inflammation, which may result in DNA damage and promote cancer.
- Genetic Alterations: Some viruses integrate their genetic material into the host genome, disrupting normal cellular functions and leading to cancer.
- Immune Suppression: Certain infections can weaken the immune system, reducing its ability to detect and destroy cancerous cells.
Prevention and Control[edit | edit source]
Preventing infections that can lead to cancer involves vaccination, safe practices, and early treatment of infections. For example, vaccines are available for HPV and HBV, which can significantly reduce the risk of related cancers.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD