Oropharyngeal cancers are found almost exclusively in patients with histories of smoking and/or ethanolism. This study was designed to determine the relationship between these habits, the secretion of local immunoglobulins, and cancer. The saliva of 260 patients was analyzed for immunoglobulin content. In each patient, IgA was the predominant, often exclusive, immunoglobulin. The mean values of IgA secreted per 15‐min. collection interval for the groups were: 30 normal controls (non‐smokers, non‐drinkers), 0.58 mg (S.D. ± 0.18 mg); 35 smokers, 1.35 ± 0.46 mg; 35 smokers and drinkers, 2.11 ± 0.48 mg; 35 patients with primary oropharyngeal cancer, 2.15 ± 0.65 mg; 35 patients with bronchogenic cancer, 2.11 ± 0.49 mg. Control groups consisting of patients that neither smoke nor drink were studied to determine the effects of non‐related cancer and oral inflammation on salivary IgA. Normal IgA titers were found in 25 patients with cancer of the genitourinary tract. Twenty‐five patients with oral inflammatory conditions exhibited titers comparable to those of the smoking groups. It is concluded that smoking and drinking alter the secretory dynamics of the oropharyngeal salivary glands with resultant increased output of IgA. The highest IgA titers were seen in patients with oral and pulmonary cancers.

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