The cure for oral cancer may be steeping inside a tea kettle.
Scientists at Penn State say a compound found in green tea may trigger a kill cycle against oral cancer cells, all while leaving healthy cells alone.
The compound is called EGCG, and researchers have found that it can do significant damage to mitochondria. So much damage, in fact, the cycle repeats itself until the cell is certifiably dead.
The study was conducted on cells in a petri dish. Still, scientists say the idea that EGCG can selectively affect the life of cancer cells is extremely promising. It also means the compound may be used to kill off other types of cancer cells as well.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates that nearly 40,000 people will get oral cancers this year, and 7,500 will die from the cancers.
Oral cancer occur most often in the following area:
- The tongue
- The tonsils and oropharynx
- The gums, floor of the mouth, and other parts of the mouth
I, at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES always do a simple, routine oral cancer screening at every dental cleaning appointment. Are you due for an exam? Contact us today.