The Ohio Dental Association (ODA) strongly advocates against the use of smokeless tobacco products because of their harmful effects—particularly the strong link to oral cancer. As a result, the ODA discounts the advertising hype that appears to be surrounding a new smokeless tobacco product called Revel, a "socially acceptable" alternative to cigarettes. Youngstown, Ohio, is one of two cities where Revel will initially be marketed for 6 months.
Smokeless tobacco, in any form, is dangerous to health, said Cleveland dentist Dr. Bruce Grbach, chairman of the ODA’s council on communication and public service, which oversees Operation TACTIC (Teens Against Chewing Tobacco in the Community)—a program aimed at discouraging use and raising awareness of the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco products among elementary through high school students.
Nicotine in Any Form Is Harmful
Dr. Grbach questions the use of Revel as an alternative to smoking, stating that nicotine(Drug information on nicotine) in any form is harmful. "There are a number of studies that demonstrate that smokeless tobacco is dangerous and can cause oral cancer. This new product is a form of smokeless tobacco, and consumers should know that using this product exposes them to risks of oral cancer."
Revel is being introduced only in Youngstown, Ohio, and Topeka, Kansas, by the US Smokeless Tobacco Co. It is described as a form of smokeless tobacco that does not induce the need to expectorate, with no unpleasant tobacco flavor, and that is "a blend of premium tobaccos and fresh mint flavor in clean and neat, discrete, easy-to-use packs." Users will need to spit the wet packet out when finished.
Dr. Nancy Goorey, DDS, of Columbus, who has been active for years in programs that discourage the use of smokeless tobacco and is current chair of the ODA’s Sports Dentistry Consultants, said that while Revel is said to be designed for adults, it is clearly intended for new users as well. Furthermore, it is not the taste but the nicotine, that attracts users. "Addicted individuals are not concerned with taste, but rather with results. The flavored brands of smokeless or spit tobacco are used to initiate new users, making the taste palatable while addicting the individual with nicotine—and putting them at risk for cancer because of the carcinogens."
In addition to nicotine, smokeless tobacco products often contain ingredients such as cadmium (used in car batteries), formaldehyde(Drug information on formaldehyde) (for embalming), benzopyrene (cancer-causing agent), and other chemicals.
A 70-year-old man with a history of localized prostate cancer treated with whole-pelvis radiation therapy with a boost to the prostate, in conjunction with androgen deprivation therapy 7 years prior, presented with lower back pain. A bone scan revealed an area of activity in the sacrum. What is the most likely diagnosis?
