Ameloblastoma is a rare, benign but locally aggressive tumor that originates from the odontogenic epithelium, which is involved in tooth development. It most commonly affects the jawbones, particularly the mandible (lower jaw), but can also occur in the maxilla (upper…
Warthin’s tumor, also known as papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum, is a benign (non-cancerous) growth that most commonly arises in the salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland, which is the largest salivary gland located near the ear. Understanding what causes Warthin’s tumor…
Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign tumor that most commonly arises in the salivary glands, especially the parotid gland. The symptoms of pleomorphic adenoma generally develop slowly and are often subtle at first, making early detection challenging. The hallmark symptom is…
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare type of cancer that primarily arises in the salivary glands but can also occur in other locations such as the lacrimal glands, respiratory tract, and breast. Understanding what causes ACC involves exploring its…
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a type of cancer that most commonly arises in the salivary glands, but it can also occur in other areas such as the mouth or jawbones. Recognizing its signs early is important because this cancer can vary…
Salivary gland cancer arises when abnormal changes occur in the cells of the salivary glands, leading them to grow uncontrollably and form tumors. These glands, which produce saliva to aid digestion and keep the mouth moist, can develop cancer when…
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a type of cancer that arises from the squamous cells lining the oral cavity. Treating OSCC involves multiple approaches depending on the stage, location, and overall health of the patient. The main treatments include…
Smoking tobacco and exposure to radiation from thorium in building materials are fundamentally different in nature, origin, and health impact; smoking does not equal radiation from thorium in building materials. To understand why, it is important to clarify what each…
The radiation dose from a lifetime of smoking is estimated to be roughly in the range of **80 to 160 millisieverts (mSv)**, depending on smoking intensity and duration. This dose comes primarily from the radioactive isotope polonium-210, which is present…
Smoking can expose a person to a level of radiation roughly comparable to the annual dose received by a typical nuclear industry worker, but the sources and nature of the radiation differ significantly. Cigarette smoke contains small amounts of radioactive…