You have probably heard that HPV can cause cervical cancer. But did you know that it can also cause oral, tongue and neck cancers? These cancers – sometimes called head cancer and neck or oral cancer – often occur years or even decades after HPV infection. In fact, most people with HPV -related head and neck cancer are men in the 1950s or 60s.
Here are some of the things you need to know about the connection between HPV and oral cancer.
What is HPV?
There are over 150 different types of human papillary or HPV. About 40 of them are spread during sexual activity and are known to infect genitals, anus, mouth or throat.
HPV spreads with direct contact with the skin with the skin. It usually spreads during vaginal, anus and oral sex, but it can spread during any sexual encounter even without penetration.
How common is HPV?
HPV is very contagious and very common. It is so common that experts say that almost all sexually active people will do it at some point in their lives. About 79 million people are believed to have an active infection from HPV at any time.
Many people are exposed to oral HPV in their lives, usually through oral sex. About 10% of men and 3.6% of women have oral HPV. HPV oral infection is more common with older age.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Most people have no symptoms. In fact, in most cases the body cleans HPV infection of course without anyone ever knowing that they had it. But some HPV infections are persistent.
Some types of HPV can cause genital warts and other types can cause cancer, including cervical cancer, vulva, vagina, penis or anus, as well as oral, tongue or throat cancer.
Is all the head and throat cancer caused by HPV?
No. HPV causes cancers in the mouth that is the name for the back of the neck, including the base of the tongue and tonsils. HPV is considered to cause 60-70% of oral cancer in this country. Cancer in this part of the throat can also be caused by other things, especially smoking.
There are other types of head and neck cancers – such as larynx cancer, lip, nose or salivary glands – not caused by HPV.
How long does it take to develop the HPV -related ceiling cancer?
It may take many years to form cancer. The back of the neck has many uneven surfaces and cracks where the virus can deposit. HPV can remain inactive for years before causing cancer. We also know that these cancers can grow slowly and can go unnoticed for a long time.
If you or your partner is diagnosed with HPV -related cancer, you should know that they may have taken HPV years ago or even decades ago. There is no reason to suspect someone cheated.
What are the signs and symptoms of HPV -related Cancer Cancer?
The most common symptom is a piece of neck that doesn’t go away. This usually means that cancer has spread to a lymph node.
Other symptoms include a sore throat that lasts more than a few weeks, difficulty swallowing, voice changes that sound vulgar or intact and ear pain.
If you have any of these symptoms, see a healthcare provider.
Can I try to see if I have oral oral, tongue or throat cancer?
One of the reasons why cervical cancer rates have decreased is because we are able to examine HPV and pre-cancerous changes in the cervix. Unfortunately, we do not have specific sorting tests for HPV or bare cancer.
Dentists appear in your mouth for HPV marks and other infections during regular checks and cleaning. It is important to stay informed about them, and have regular medical examinations as well.
Is there anything I can do to prevent HPV and HPV -related cancer?
Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against high -risk HPV types that are more likely to cause cervical cancer and other HPV -related cancers, including the Cancer.
The vaccine is approved for those aged 9 to 45 years of age, it is advisable for young people to take the vaccine as part of the immune routine of around 11th age, so they can be fully vaccinated before they become sexually active and may be exposed to HPV. If you receive the vaccine before the age of 15, you only need two doses.
Anyone under the age of 26 has not taken the vaccine must do so (although if you are over 15, you will need three doses). People who are between 27 and 45 can talk to the healthcare provider to decide whether the vaccine makes sense to them. Vaccination intake is the most important method of prevention.
Using condoms or dental dams during vaginal, anus or oral sex can also help reduce HPV spread. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake can also help reduce risk.
It is also important to pay attention to your body and your symptoms. Do not ignore a piece on your throat or persistent ear pain. If it is cancer, the earlier you find it, the easier it is to deal with.
