Seduced by tobacco, killed by cancer

The practice of placing a small amount of chewing tobacco or snuff in the oral cavity and leaving it in place for extended periods of time appears to be finding its way into young and middle aged adults as a socially acceptable and popular habit. Cancer development at the site of placement and other oral mucosal lesions caused by these products has been described from several population groups. As the composition and the pattern of use of the product vary, evaluation of each type of smokeless tobacco (ST) has to be undertaken with caution. This review thus, highlights the use of ST and its significance as the causative for oral cancer.