Microscopic Fungus And Oral Cancer

If you or anyone else has had cancer, you’ve probably been told about the increased risk of fungal infection during treatment. Chemotherapy and cancer medications lower your immune system’s response to various other diseases and infections. Fungal infections are no exception. However, a new study from the Case Western School of Dental Medicine, the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Case School of Medicine have shed new light on how fungal infections might influence cancer development.

The research, led by Pushpa Pandiyan and a team of researchers, could lead to a breakthrough in our understanding of oral cancer.

How fungus affects tumor development and oral cancer

Fungal infection is more likely during cancer

What the research has shown

The researchers looked at dectin-1. This is the cell’s pattern recognition and immune receptor. Upon stimuli from a fungus, it triggers an inflammatory response that resists the fungus. Essentially, dectin-1 is designed to recognize and respond to fungi that comes in contact with its host cell.

White blood cells have regulatory suppressor T-cells. These Tregs dampen the immune system responses of the cells in our bodies that fight cancer.

What has been discovered is that the T-cells will accumulate at high levels in tumors. The dectin-1 over-reacts to the presence of fungus, causing the massive build up of T-cells. The dectin-1 receptors were actually capable of promoting tumor growth, because of its cultivation of immunosuppressive cells. Normally, however, dectin-1 is a natural and healthy part of the body’s immune system.

The research also uncovered that as we get older, our bodies make more and more dectin-1. This in turn, can weaken our immune system towards cancer as we age. Essentially, our anti-tumor response in the body is weakened with age.

Obviously, these findings are important, and they could be the start of something bigger. The particular study was only on aging oral cells. However, anti-fungal response throughout the body could also be a weakening in our resistance to tumors and cancer.

Stay healthy, keep your mouth happy

Here at Josey Lane, we are experts on restorative as well as preventative dentistry. We may be able to fill cavities, install dental bridges, crowns, and help with routine cleanings, but your oral health is ultimately up to you. You are the person who has access to your teeth and mouth 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So make sure to keep yourself healthy. Take it from us, the basics start with:

• Brushing twice a day. Once in the morning, once in the evening before bed. Make sure to brush for about 3 minutes, hitting front teeth, molars, and both sides of the teeth, and the tops of molars. Change your toothbrush/toothbrush head (if it’s electric) every few months.
• Floss once a day. This removes debris from between the teeth that brushing can’t reach.
• Drink plenty of water. This helps flush out bacteria, fungus, and debris.

Keeping your mouth healthy not only makes your teeth look better and your breath bearable, but it helps lower your risk of other diseases. Lower your risk of cancer, by ensuring you don’t have any oral fungal infections. Set up and appointment with us today if you are in the Carrollton Texas area. Otherwise, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your oral health.