Right Brian,
this is why I asked, I did not come up with anything substantial other than infection. Which is why it seemed plausible that besides bacterial and fungal infections this should (could) also facilitate different viral infections.

M

Markus - I am not well versed enough outside of the HPV arena to comment on bacterial and other viral etiologies. Right now other than HPV, there isn't any evidence that the faster entry of some bacterial or other viral agent would produce a cellular cascade of events to malignancy. Does that mean it couldn't happen? No. After all, it was decades of ridicule before the guys that tied a bacterium to stomach ulcers were given credit for it, as everyone still thought it was a stress related condition. Other viruses (some) need an mechanism of entry, as they do not transfer through epithelial contact as with HPV and need some entry point, and I suppose that a non healing irritation combined with the appropriate cause - that used that spot as a route of entry, could do something. There are 9 viruses known to cause cancers, but HPV is the only one tied to oral at this time. In an allied area there is Epstein-Barr virus which cases naso-pharyngeal cancers (along with nickel exposure as anther primary etiology in factory workers that come into heavy contact with it) But at the end of the day, speaking of what we know today, it just ain't so. What we know ten years from now is anyone's guess, so I try to be careful not to talk in absolutes about things. Just last year we discovered a new virus that causes a previously unknown skin cancer, rare, but goes to show you that we sure don't know it all.

Brian,

Do you think the metals and dyes in the jewelry can be a carcinogen,depending on what kind it is..!!
Some remanent of lead or dyes like diazoaminobenzene which breaks down into benzene in human bodies,would do it -I think.
There are many compounds found to cause genetic damage in some animals.
I was just speculating depending on Ph of every person s saliva & other health factors, various chemicals/metals may have different effect in different people. May be thats why we don't see continuous trend of OC in people with jewelry in the mouth. Like you said What we know ten years from now is anyone's guess, So I won't be surprised if it comes down to type of the jewelry.

I think in all things like this, the fact that most people over look is volume of exposure. Mouth jewelry is small and even if there for decades, probably wouldn't leech enough harmful ions of whatever to cause a problem. Think in terms of radiation. It kills. Big time. But you don't mind sitting in a dentist chair... because the volume of exposure is low.

The only ill effects that I have seen in my patients that have tongue and lip piercings is fractured teeth and gum recession.

I recently had a kid in the chair with a lip piercing that was causing an amazing amount of recession on his lower front teeth. I'm glad I'm not his parent because this kid wouldn't even listen to me. It didn't matter to him that he would be paying for his stupidity for the rest of his life.

Jerry

Hi Friends.......Just wanted all of you to know that Jim passed away at 9:19 pm tonight, July 15........He is now at peace.. Love, Claudia

Oh Claudia. I am so very sorry for your and your family's loss. I can only imagine how difficult this time is for you, but you are right - he is in peace. His suffering is over. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Donna

Claudia

I echo Donna's comments. Words are insufficient. This cancer is treacherous and fatal far too often. I hope you find solace and comfort in your faith and friends
Charm

So so sorry Glaudia.

Claudia,

So sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. My prayers are with you and your family now for even more healing emotionally. He is at peace but it is still very hard to be going through. God bless and take care of yourself too.

Bonnie