HPV: It’s Not Just "Down There"—The Shocking Truth About Throat Cancer
https://unsplash.com/photos/man-in-knit-cap-grayscale-photo-o72kVqUV-94?utm_content=creditShareLink&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash
You might think HPV is only a concern "South of the equator" but think again—it can also take root in your throat. While most people associate human papillomavirus (HPV) with cervical cancer, many don’t realize that it’s a growing cause of head and neck cancers, particularly in men. Traditionally, these cancers were linked to smoking and alcohol use, but despite a decline in smoking rates, certain throat cancers are on the rise.
Why? HPV. This common virus, which can be transmitted not only through sexual contact but possibly even through kissing, has been linked to tumors in the oropharynx—the area behind the tongue, including the tonsils and soft palate.
The good news? HPV-related head and neck cancers have a much higher treatment success rate, and even better, they may be preventable with a simple vaccine. Here’s what you need to know about this surprising connection and how to protect yourself.
What is HPV?
https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-inject-boy-on-arm-BSozBCQn6oY?utm_content=creditShareLink&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a virus with over 100 different strains that can cause various symptoms. The risks of HPV vary depending on the strain of the virus. Some strains are harmless, causing common warts, plantar warts, and genital warts. Others increase risk when they live in your body for extended periods and develop into cancer.
When you hear HPV, you may categorize it as an STD and recall the potential for women to develop cervical cancer. While this is a good starting point of awareness, there’s much more to the HPV story. Contrary to the belief that it primarily affects women, there is a rise in HPV-related head and neck cancers, especially in men.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “About 30 HPV strains can affect your genitals, including your vulva, vagina, cervix, penis and scrotum, as well as your rectum and anus.” However, awareness of HPV is usually limited to this list. It’s a sexually transmitted infection instead of a disease. This may come as a shock, but while this list focuses on the area “down there”, there are increasing concerns with HPV-related head and neck (oropharyngeal) cancers. Who would have thought?
Here’s what you need to know about HPV.
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV is usually transmitted through sexual contact, but not always. Kissing may be another way of transferring the infection to another person. What’s tricky about HPV is that it often doesn’t have symptoms, making it easier to spread it unintentionally.
What strains of HPV are the most concerning?
There are over 100 strains of HPV. Many HPV infections are naturally cleared through your body before they develop into bigger issues and cause health problems.
Strains 16 and 18 are commonly associated with the development of cancer. They account for approximately 70% of cervical cancers. These strains can live in your body for many years and develop into cancer. While other strains are cleared from your system within 1-2 years.
Strain 16 is strongly associated with head and neck cancer, including the tonsils and base of the tongue. It has two different types, positive and negative. The 16+ strain has a higher treatment success rate, at about 90%.
What are the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for HPV-related head and neck cancer?
5 common symptoms of head and neck cancer
Persistent sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Unexplained weight loss
Ear pain
Lumps in the neck
Head and neck cancer diagnostic procedures
Physical examinations
Imaging tests
Biopsies
HPV testing of tumor samples
Head and neck cancer treatment options
Treatment options typically depend on the stage and advancement of the cancer. These types of cancer have a high rate of returning after surgery or radiation. Some treatments require a combination of many options, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Less aggressive treatment options are being developed with high success rates of 80-90%.
The University of Chicago Medicine conducted the OPTIMA study to explore less intense treatment options using a patient's response to chemotherapy. The response to chemotherapy helped understand the likely response to radiation. If a tumor shrinks with chemo, then it will likely respond to radiation. This allowed for targeted treatment to a smaller area and reduced radiation.
According to NYU Langone Health, a patient in the early cancer stages can alternate treatment between reduced radiation and high-dose, low-dose chemo weekly. This experimental treatment regimen has had a success rate of 90%. Less than 10% of patients required surgery. This may become a standard protocol option in the future as studies are completed.
Thankfully, there’s a vaccine to help prevent HVP-related cancers.
Gardasil 9 Vaccine Helps Prevent HPV-Related Cancer
https://unsplash.com/photos/photo-of-three-men-jumping-on-ground-near-bare-trees-during-daytime-98Elr-LIvD8?utm_content=creditShareLink&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash
The Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against the associated cancers of HPV before catching the virus in both males and females. It helps your body build immunity to some strains, making it easier for the immune system to clear the virus if exposed.
The FDA approved the Gardasil 9 vaccine. It can be administered to people 9 and over. The vaccine is recommended prior to sexual activity around age 11-12, administered in two doses, 6-12 months apart. It’s critical to get the vaccine prior to exposure to the infection because it’s less effective when administered after the virus is in your body.
My Final Thoughts about HPV
HPV isn’t just a concern “down there”—it’s a growing threat to head and neck health, particularly in men. Despite declining smoking rates, HPV-related throat cancers are on the rise.
The good news? While certain HPV strains, like 16 and 18, pose significant cancer risks, early detection and innovative treatments offer high success rates. Even better, the vaccine provides a powerful line of defense, helping prevent HPV-related cancers before they start.
Awareness, early intervention, and vaccination are key to reducing the impact of this hidden threat. Taking proactive steps today can protect your health for the future.
Give me a call today to discuss at 817-261-3000 and click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more helpful information!