PERIODONTITIS AND UROLOGIC CANCERS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF POTENTIAL RISK CONNECTIONS

Urologic cancers, including prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers, represent a major global health burden with complex and multifactorial etiologies. Periodontitis, a widespread chronic inflammatory condition, has been increasingly associated with systemic diseases, including cancer, through mechanisms such as systemic inflammation, immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and alterations in the oral microbiome. This review explores the emerging connections between periodontitis and urologic cancers, identifying systemic inflammation as a potential unifying pathway. The interplay between oral health and cancer risk highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research to elucidate these associations and develop targeted interventions. Clinically, integrating periodontal evaluations into routine cancer risk assessments could open new avenues for prevention and management. A comprehensive, holistic approach to oral and systemic health may provide critical insights for addressing these interrelated conditions effectively.