Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas analyzed data from more than 34,500 patients undergoing various tests at the medical center.
The study, recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, showed that those with hepatitis C have a higher risk, more than double, to suffer tumors of the mouth and throat, and a risk of laryngeal cancer almost five times higher the people who had hepatitis C.
In addition, patients with head and neck cancer with hepatitis C were more likely to have the human papilloma virus, linked to various cancers.
Hepatitis C is a serious liver infection caused by a virus, which is transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse and use (by addicts, mainly) of contaminated syringes.
Infection is the most common blood-borne in the United States, where 3.5 million people affected, according to the Centers for Prevention and Disease Control (CDC). UU.
"What we're trying to do is that everyone understands that this infection has consequences, but that can cure," said study leader Harrys Torres, associate professor of the Center infectious diseases.
There is, so far, no vaccine against this disease; hope for those affected is given by the fact that antiviral drugs can cure more than 90 percent of cases of infection.
In addition, evaluation and treatment could prevent cancer develops, the researcher said in a statement.
The study could be important for the evaluation of patients with hepatitis C and treatment of those who suffer head and neck cancers, the researchers said.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), about 500,000 people die each year from liver disease related to hepatitis C.