Abstract
Simple SummaryThe risk of developing cancer is always higher for tobacco smokers than for non-smokers. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become increasingly popular in the last decade and are considered less harmful than traditional tobacco products, due to the lower content of toxic and carcinogenic compounds. However, this is still a controversial issue. This paper contains a review of previous reports on the composition of e-cigarettes and their impact on the pathogenesis and risk of head and neck cancer (HNC). The authors reviewed articles on both toxic and carcinogenic compounds contained in e-cigarettes and their molecular and health effects on the upper respiratory tract in comparison to traditional tobacco cigarettes. In conclusion, the studies discussed in the review strongly suggest that more long-term studies are needed to better address the safety of e-cigarettes.E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular in the last decade and are considered less harmful than traditional tobacco products due to the lower content of toxic and carcinogenic compounds. However, this is still a controversial issue. This paper contains a review of previous reports on the composition of e-cigarettes and their impact on the pathogenesis and risk of head and neck cancer (HNC). The objective of the review was to compare the molecular and health effects of e-cigarette use in relation to the effects of traditional cigarette smoking in the upper respiratory tract, and to assess the safety and effect of e-cigarettes on HNC risk. A review for English language articles published until 31 August 2020 was made, using a PubMed (including MEDLINE), CINAHL Plus, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science data. The authors reviewed articles on both toxic and carcinogenic compounds contained in e-cigarettes and their molecular and health effects on the upper respiratory tract in comparison to tobacco cigarettes. The risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains lower in users of e-cigarettes compared with tobacco smokers. However, more long-term studies are needed to better address the safety of e-cigarettes.
Highlights
In the last decade, the popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has increased in comparison to the tobacco market [1]
There is evidence that chronic exposures to heavy metals via tobacco smoking increase the risk of head and neck cancer (HNC), while less is known about the effects of e-cigarettes [35,45]
The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease has issued a statement in which it points out that these products cannot be considered safe for second-hand exposure, as the e-cigarettes emits the finest particles of liquid nicotine and carcinogens into the air and leads to inhaling them [48]
Summary
The popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has increased in comparison to the tobacco market [1]. In the absence of tobacco smoke, the effect of the long-term use of nicotine on cancer risk is not clearly understood. E-cigarettes were intended to be a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco products, but some studies have shown that apart from nicotine, in some e-liquids, other toxic and carcinogenic substances have been found. There is evidence that chronic exposures to heavy metals via tobacco smoking increase the risk of HNC, while less is known about the effects of e-cigarettes [35,45]. The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease has issued a statement in which it points out that these products cannot be considered safe for second-hand exposure, as the e-cigarettes emits the finest particles of liquid nicotine and carcinogens into the air and leads to inhaling them [48]. It cannot be ruled out that similar mechanisms may be observed in the case of e-cigarette users, but so far it has been not verified
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