Electronic cigarette use and its correlation with oral cancer: Literature review

Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: E-cigarettes, promoted as alternatives to traditional tobacco, generate aerosols containing nicotine and other harmful substances and are linked to the appearance of oral infections, lesions that can develop into cancer and an increased risk of tumors in the mouth and lungs. This study highlights the importance of investigating the relationship between the use of electronic cigarettes and the development of oral cancer. Methodology: A bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed, SciELO and BVS (Virtual Health Library) databases, using the Portuguese descriptors "Electronic Cigarette Vapor", "Oral Neoplasms" and "Oral Health", as well as their English counterparts covering articles in Portuguese and English that addressed aspects relevant to the main theme of the study, published between 2019 and 2024. Results and discussion: A total of 622 articles were found in accordance with this study's methodology, and 16 articles were used for this study. Most of the articles consulted agree that oral infections can be caused by the use of vapers, as they have the capacity to impact the oral cavity for long periods. However, more research should be carried out into the potential of e-cigarette consumption to cause oral cancer, but more evidence is still needed for a conclusion. Conclusion: Although some evidence points to the carcinogenic potential of electronic cigarettes, more research is needed to guide health professionals and the academic community on the long-term impacts of these devices on the systemic and functional health of users.