Marijuana smoking--possible cause of head and neck carcinoma in young patients

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1986 Apr;94(4):517-21. doi: 10.1177/019459988609400420.

Abstract

Six cases of advanced head and neck cancer in young patients, who were regular marijuana users, are presented. Numerous carcinogens, as well as respiratory irritants, are found in marijuana smoke. The active euphoria-producing agent, delta-9 tetrahydrocanabinol, has been implicated in altered DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and consequent chromosomal aberrations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cannabis*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology*
  • Dronabinol / toxicity
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Lip Neoplasms / etiology
  • Male
  • Risk
  • Tongue Neoplasms / etiology

Substances

  • Dronabinol