Association of oral carcinoma with nasswar (snuff dipping)

A total of 186 cases of oral carcinoma were treated at the Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (IRNUM), Peshawar, and at the District Headquarter Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, during a two-year period. These patients were investigated for their personal habits and environmental factors. Use of nasswar was the most significant habit. We found that 91% of patients had the habit of nasswar dipping for more than 10 years. A history of tobacco smoking was noted in 44% of cases. Of these, 96% were also nasswar addicts. A significant correlation of the oral lesions was found with the site of the nasswar (snuff) dipping. We concluded that nasswar and other types of smokeless tobacco are not safe alternatives to tobacco smoking.