ORAL BACTERIA AND PANCREATIC CANCER LINK

As reported in Medical News Today, an article published in the online journal GUT on October 13, 2011 related that certain oral bacteria have been linked to pancreatic cancer; in particular, the bacteria Granulicatella adjacens.  In addition, two lower levels of  bacteria were noted in patients with chronic pancreatic inflammation (which can lead to cancer) compared to a healthy group of patients.  It is unclear if this the relationship between bacteria and pancreatic cancer is direct, or and effect of pancreatic cancer, but is believed, based on previous studies, that bacteria have an impact in the development of pancreatic diseases.  The presence of such bacteria in the oral flora could lead to methods or early detection of pancreatic cancer.  For the compete article as reported in Medical News Today, please visit: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/235949.php.