Vaping the Venom: Oral Cavity Cancer in a Young Adult With Extensive Electronic Cigarette Use

Pediatrics. 2021 May;147(5):e2020022301. doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-022301.

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity is one of the most common malignancies of the head and neck. Risk factors for the development of SCC include infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), tobacco use, and alcohol use. HPV-positive SCC of the oral cavity is more commonly seen in young adult patients, whereas HPV-negative disease is more prevalent in older patients with histories of alcohol and tobacco use. We describe the case of a young adult with an extensive history of vaping using nicotine-delivery systems who was diagnosed with HPV-negative SCC that was rapidly progressive and fatal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems*
  • Equipment Design
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mouth Neoplasms / etiology
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology
  • Mouth Neoplasms / therapy
  • Papillomaviridae
  • Risk Factors
  • Syncope / etiology
  • Tongue Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Tongue Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tongue Neoplasms / therapy
  • Vaping / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult