E-Cigarettes Could Replace Smoking as a Risk Factor for Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Introduction:
This text summarizes a study on the use of a genomic classifier in diagnosing thyroid nodules of varying sizes, as well as discussing the potential for e-cigarettes to emerge as a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer. Readers will learn about the study design, major findings, and the implications of these findings in both clinical and public health contexts.

Key Points:

* The study found that the genomic classifier did not miss high-risk malignant disease in larger thyroid nodules (>4 cm), suggesting its potential utility in reducing unnecessary surgeries for benign nodules (Dublin et al., 2022).
* The study acknowledged the small sample size of nodules larger than 4 cm and called for further research in larger, prospective controlled studies (Dublin et al., 2022).
* E-cigarettes have gained popularity among younger generations, and research suggests that their use may lead to cytotoxic effects, DNa fragmentation, and mutations, raising concerns about their potential link to oropharyngeal cancer (Lang, 2022).
* E-cigarette use is less bound by location, and their potential association with oropharyngeal cancer may not be seen until after 2050 (Lang, 2022).
* The majority of oropharyngeal cancers occur after a half-century of life (Lang, 2022).
* Substances like formaldehyde and acrolein, found in e-cigarette aerosols, cause mutations and damage to DNa (Lang, 2022).
* Tighter nicotine product control policies and the mass production of harmful e-cigarette products will shape the future of oropharyngeal cancer incidence (Lang, 2022).

Main Message:
The text emphasizes the need for cautious interpretation of the findings, given the small sample size and need for further research. however, the potential benefits of the genomic classifier in reducing unnecessary surgeries for benign thyroid nodules are promising. The discussion on e-cigarettes highlights the urgent need for tighter nicotine product control policies and continuous monitoring of their potential health risks, especially given their growing popularity among younger generations.

Lang aE. E-Cigarettes Could Replace Smoking as a Risk Factor for Oropharyngeal Cancer. JaMa otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery. 2022;148(4):384-385. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2021.4544