HPV AND HEAD/NECK CANCER

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US.

The HPV virus infects most individuals throughout their lives and particularly infects the mucosa of the genital organs and mouth and throat. Some types of HPV (in particular HPV-16) can lead to the development of tumors, including those of the oropharynx, of the tonsils and the base of the tongue.

The incidence of head and neck cancers caused by HPV infection is growing globally. HPV-related cancers have surpassed those of the uterine cervix.

Especially, younger patients, generally in good health, are affected by head and neck tumors associated with HPV.

Who should get screened?

People with a history of tobacco or alcohol use, a history of oral lesions or exposure to radiation therapy, and those with 5 or more sexual partners should be screened.

Symptoms to be aware of include hoarseness, pain on swallowing, difficulty swallowing, pain on chewing, a lump in the neck, or non-healing sores.

Getting screened is quick and painless.
Doctors use a flexible telescope with a miniature camera on its tip, to examine the throat structures, including the vocal cords.

Get vaccinated and get screened!