No conclusive evidence yet shows a direct cause and effect between vaping and throat cancer, but a link may still exist.
Vaping is the act of inhaling an aerosol, the vapor produced by heated liquid in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and similar devices. 1ml vape cartridge
While many people may believe vaping has fewer health consequences than traditional tobacco products, more and more research cautions that vaping might not be a harmless alternative.
One particular area of concern is the possible relationship between vaping and throat cancer. While no direct link has been established, chronic exposure to vaping aerosols may have adverse effects on throat tissue similar to traditional cigarettes.
No direct link between vaping and throat cancer has yet been established, but a cause-and-effect relationship may still exist.
Several factors limit research on vaping’s relationship to cancer:
These factors currently make it challenging to fully understand vaping’s relationship to any long-term health complications.
Overall, if you’ve never smoked cigarettes, research suggests vaping may increase your risk of cancer compared with someone who doesn’t vape.
If you’re switching to vaping from traditional cigarettes, your cancer risk may decrease but will still remain higher than someone who has never smoked or vaped.
A research review from 2020 reports similar findings specific to head and neck cancers, which include throat cancer.
According to the review authors, current evidence points to a lower risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in people who vape compared with people who smoke cigarettes, but e-cigarettes should not be viewed as harmless.
Review authors note that several studies suggest vaping may have effects on cells and DNA that could contribute to cancer development over time.
Due to limited long-term data and the lack of cause-and-effect evidence, the exact rates of throat cancer related to vaping are unknown.
Vapor from e-cigarettes comes in direct contact with your throat. It exposes your tissues to aerosolized compounds that can cause irritation and inflammation.
Due to the lack of active burning associated with traditional cigarettes, vaping typically does not produce as many chemicals. However, it can still contain compounds associated with cancer.
According to the 2020 review mentioned above, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, known carcinogens, have been found in many e-cigarette products. Acetaldehyde is considered a prominent cancer-causing agent, specifically for the esophagus and head and neck.
Researchers have also identified trace amounts of other carcinogens, like tobacco-specific nitrosamines, heavy metals like lead, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, in some vaping liquids.
Over time, exposure to these chemicals may cause damage to the throat that could increase throat cancer risk. A 2022 systematic review found e-cigarettes have statistically significant adverse effects on head, neck, and oral cells, including:
Many e-cigarettes also contain nicotine, which may indirectly influence cancer risk by causing vulnerability in cells through:
Experts are still investigating the potential side effects of vaping. They advise proceeding with caution due to lung health and nicotine risks, particularly in young people.
For example, the American Lung Association indicates using e-cigarettes increases the risk of coughing, wheezing, and worsening asthma symptoms in young people because of the number of chemicals linked to serious lung disease, such as benzene, nickel, tin, and lead.
Vaping products that contain nicotine may also:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes rare instances of malfunctioning e-cigarette batteries have caused fires and explosions, leading to serious injury, and ingestion or absorption of vaping liquid through the skin, leading to poisoning.
Quitting vaping can be as challenging as quitting traditional cigarettes. It’s OK to seek professional guidance to ease the transition.
You can find a tobacco cessation counselor in your area by calling 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or texting QUITNOW to 333888.
In addition to speaking with a professional, the following tips may help:
The verdict is still out on whether vaping can cause throat cancer. Limited long-term data prevents experts from fully understanding the effects of commercial aerosol products on the throat.
While e-cigarettes typically contain fewer chemicals than other tobacco products, many still have compounds associated with cancer, like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. These chemicals can damage and irritate the throat, altering cells in ways that may contribute to cancer risk.
Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2023
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Julie Scott, DNP, ANP-BC, AOCNP
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