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Is There a Link Between Pancreatic Cancer and Good Oral Health?

Study about oral hygiene and pancreatic cancer
According to a recent study by researchers at Brown University, Forsyth Institute and HarvardUniversity, the health of your mouth could potentially be linked with pancreatic cancer.
The study proved that the oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis is linked with nearly doubling the risk of getting pancreatic cysts and pancreatic cancer. The study included using the health history of more than 405 people with pancreatic cancer and 416 people without pancreatic cancer. Blood samples were drawn from each person and researchers measured the antibodies from 25 different kinds of bacteria.
Research showed a strong link between increased amounts of antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis and pancreatic cancer, leading them to believe that cancer was not causing the high antibody levels. The high amount of antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis were present for years before the patient developed pancreatic cancer, showing a direct link between poor oral health and pancreatic cancer.
In addition to finding the link between high amounts of antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis and pancreatic cancer, researchers also found that there was a 45 percent reduced risk of developing pancreatic cancer if participants had high antibody levels against harmful oral bacteria.
Oral Health Tips
1. Brush your teeth twice a day
2. Practice good technique – Hold your toothbrush at an angle so the toothbrush is pointed towards the area where your tooth meets your gum.
3. Don’t skimp on flossing – Make sure you use at least 18 inches of floss and take it one tooth at a time when flossing.

1 Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, BrownUniversity, Box G-S121-2, Providence, RI02912, USA and2.
2 Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, ImperialCollege, LondonW2 1PG, UK

Early Detection of Pancreatic Cysts with Cellvizio

Pancreatic cysts and pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.
Because pancreatic cancer can spread rapidly, early detection and diagnosis is vital. According to the National Cancer Data Base1, the five year survival rate of people being diagnosed with Stage IIA pancreatic cancer is only seven percent. However, for those who are able to diagnose the existence of cancerous pancreatic cysts at Stage IA have a 14 percent five year survival rate. 1

What are Pancreatic Cysts?

Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs within your pancreas, a large organ behind the stomach that produces the hormones and enzymes that help digest food. Most pancreatic cysts are not cancerous and only cause mild systems such as:

  • Persistent abdominal and back pain
  • A mass in your upper abdomen that you are able to feel
  • Nausea
  • Jaundice

Because pancreatic cancer often goes undetected, once pancreatic cysts are found a physician may need to biopsy the cysts to check for pre-cancerous and cancerous cells.

How Can I Diagnose Pancreatic Cysts?

Diagnosing cancerous pancreatic cysts is becoming easier because of the improvements in imaging technology.
Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy utilizes the world’s smallest microscope and laser imaging technology in conjunction with today’s endoscopic instruments to examine tissues at a microscopic level.

How is Cellvizio Different Than Other Diagnostic Methods?

Cellvizio enables physicians to visualize the wall of the cyst at the cellular level, making an early cancer diagnosis possible.
Other benefits of Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy include:

  • Timely decision making for the physician
  • Immediate tissue characterization
  • Immediate cell characterization
  • Ability to start treatment early if the cysts is cancerous

Is Cellvizio the Right Procedure for You?

If you need to confirm a diagnosis of pancreatic cysts, contact your physician to find out if Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy is the right procedure for you.

Sources:

  1. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreaticcancer/overviewguide/pancreatic-cancer-overview-survival-rates