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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Predicting Cancer Is All in Your Head

Test on smokers' mouths shows link to disease in lungs

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(Newser) – A simple test on cells from the mouth could help doctors predict which smokers will develop lung cancer, Reuters reports. In a test group, 95% of subjects with the genetic damage associated with cancer in their lungs had the same damage in their mouths.

A reliable test could spare patients invasive lung biopsies. "We are talking about just a brushing inside of the cheek to get the same information we would from lung brushings obtained through bronchoscopy," said one of the researchers.

Using Riverain's OnGuard Chest X-ray CAD technology to detect suspicious nodules that may be early-stage lung cancer is another early-diagnosis tool, though mouth swabs would be even less invasive.
Using Riverain's OnGuard Chest X-ray CAD technology to detect suspicious nodules that may be early-stage lung cancer is another early-diagnosis tool, though mouth swabs would be even less invasive.   (AP Photo)
The ability to use a mouth test to diagnose lung cancer may diminish the need for more involved (and potentially dangerous) procedures.
The ability to use a mouth test to diagnose lung cancer may diminish the need for more involved (and potentially dangerous) procedures.   (KRT Photos)
Damage to genes in cheek cells like these indicated similar damage in lung cells in a study at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Damage to genes in cheek cells like these indicated similar damage in lung cells in a study at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.   (University of Wisconsin)
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, although only about 10% of people who smoke develop the disease.
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, although only about 10% of people who smoke develop the disease.   (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
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