Human papillomaviruses, or HPVs, are a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are linked to cancer. Some types of HPV affect the throat and the lining of the mouth.
Many people are exposed to oral HPV in their lifetime, but most people clear the infection within one to two years of exposure. But for some people, HPV infection may develop into cancer at the back of the throat, base of the tongue, or tonsils. This is called oropharyngeal cancer. HPV causes up to 70 percent of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer is about 1 in 59 for men and 1 in 139 for women.
What is Oral HPV?
Of the 200 strains of HPV, about 40 types can spread from direct contact to the genital areas, mouth, and throat. Oral HPV refers to the strains of HPV that are spread through oral sex or mouth-to-mouth contact. About nine of these strains can turn into cancer.
Studies have found that about seven percent of Americans between the ages of 14 and 69 are infected with oral HPV. Men are more likely to be affected than women.
Oral HPV can be asymptomatic, but some people may develop sores or warts on their lips, inside their mouth, or in their throat within three to six months of exposure. For most people, oral HPV will go away on its own without treatment in a year or two after exposure. For some, the HPV virus can stay in the system for much longer, making it more likely to develop into serious health issues like cancer.
How is Oral HPV Detected?
Current testing for oral HPV can usually only confirm the presence of the virus in people who are already experiencing symptoms. Your healthcare provider may also find oral HPV warts or lesions during routine screenings or exams. If your provider notices a suspicious area, they may ask to take a biopsy. This allows them to test a tissue sample to see if it’s pre-cancerous or cancerous. Your dentist may also be able to perform a non-invasive screening for oral HPV during routine dental cleaning visits.
What is Oropharyngeal Cancer?
Oropharyngeal cancer develops in the middle part of the throat, behind the mouth. This includes the base of the tongue, the soft palate, the tonsils, and the side and back walls of the throat. Almost all oropharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which develop in the cells that form the lining of the mouth and throat. Oropharyngeal cancer linked to HPV is called HPV-positive cancer. HPV-positive cancers are more often seen in younger patients with no history of alcohol or tobacco use.
Signs and Symptoms of Oropharyngeal Cancer
Signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer can vary from person to person, and some people may not experience any symptoms before diagnosis. Common symptoms include a sore throat that lasts longer than usual, earaches, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, pain when swallowing, and unexpected weight loss. If you have any concerns about any symptoms you may be experiencing, please contact your healthcare provider.
Treatment for Oropharyngeal Cancer
Treatment for oropharyngeal cancer depends on factors like the stage of your cancer, your age, and your overall health. Your treatment options may include:
- Surgery to remove the tumor and adjacent areas
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapies to treat specific characteristics of cancer cells
- Immunotherapy
- A combination of the above treatments
Preventing HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer
Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from developing HPV-related cancers. HPV vaccines created to prevent cervical cancer and other reproductive cancers also prevent oropharyngeal cancer. HPV vaccines do not treat existing infections. Vaccines should be given before a person is exposed to the virus, such as through sexual activity.
Three vaccines have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent HPV infection: Gardasil®, Gardasil® 9, and Cervarix. The American Cancer Society’s recommended vaccination schedule for children and young adults includes:
- On-time or routine vaccination for children between the ages of 9 and 12 (two doses)
- Late vaccination for children between the ages of 13 and 14 (two doses)
- Late vaccination for children and young adults between the ages of 15 and 26 (three doses)
The Gardasil® 9 vaccine has also been approved for adults between the ages of 27 and 45. Adults who were not vaccinated as children can discuss vaccination with their clinician. While vaccination is recommended before becoming sexually active, the vaccine can still provide protection.
Because HPV is usually sexually transmitted, you can also lower your risk of infection by consistently and correctly using condoms and dental dams.
Southern Cancer Center is Here for Your Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Receiving a head and neck cancer diagnosis may feel overwhelming. The cancer care specialists at Southern Cancer Center will work with you to create the optimal treatment plan for your head or neck cancer.
For more information about treatment for head and neck cancers or to schedule an appointment, visit SouthernCancerCenter.com or call (251) 625-6896 for our Mobile and Baldwin County offices or (256) 265-1822 for our Huntsville office.