Link Between Throat Cancer and Oral Sex: Crucial Information to Understand

Link Between Throat Cancer and Oral Sex: Crucial Information to Understand

HPV and the Rising Tide of Throat Cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is now a significant factor in the growing incidence of throat cancer, also known as oropharyngeal cancer. This virus, particularly high-risk types, has been increasingly linked to oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), a subtype of head and neck cancer whose cases have been on the rise for several decades.

The increased prevalence of HPV-associated throat cancer is alarming, with cases rising by over 200% and projected to continue for the next decade, before the impact of HPV vaccination becomes evident [2][4]. Historically, throat cancers were mainly attributed to smoking and alcohol, but now the majority of oropharyngeal cancers are due to HPV infection [4][3].

The mechanism by which HPV causes malignant transformation in epithelial cells of the oropharynx is well-understood. Most people clear HPV infection naturally, but persistent infection with high-risk types can lead to cancer development [2][1]. HPV-positive head and neck cancers exhibit altered expression of several oncogenes and genes involved in tumor progression, such as CDC42, ISG15, ITGB1, PXN, which correlate with cancer development and patient prognosis [1].

HPV-related throat cancer symptoms can last beyond two weeks and include neck mass or swelling, ear pain, painful swallowing, snoring, difficulty eating, vocal changes, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, and unexplained weight loss. It's important to note that HPV spreads from person to person via oral sex [6].

The good news is that HPV-related throat cancers generally have a better prognosis compared to HPV-negative cases, although a subset can recur or metastasize even years after diagnosis [4]. Regular screening increases the chances of catching a throat cancer tumor early, which significantly improves treatment outcomes [7].

Dentists are often the first practitioners to notice abnormalities with the tongue and tonsils, making them key players in early detection [8]. Researchers have developed a clinical test that searches for the P16 molecular marker in biopsy samples, a marker that indicates HPV-related cancer [9]. About 1% of people have the particular type of HPV (HPV 16) associated with throat cancer [10].

Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can cut your risk of developing HPV-related throat cancer. The No. 1 risk in contracting oral HPV and developing HPV-related throat cancer is having multiple oral sex partners [5]. Despite the clear link, many adults remain unaware that HPV causes throat cancer, which is crucial for prevention and early detection [3][5].

The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that HPV-related throat cancer is growing fastest among otherwise healthy men, ages 35 to 55 [11]. There are 18,000 new cases of throat cancer diagnosed annually that are potentially related to HPV [12]. HPV-related cancers spread quickly to the lymph nodes in the neck, but their response to treatment is excellent, with high success rates for cure if diagnosed and treated early [13].

In conclusion, the link between HPV and throat cancer is strong and widely accepted in the medical community. The adoption of HPV vaccination and improved screening methods hold promise to reduce this trend in the future [2][4]. It's crucial for everyone, especially those in the high-risk age group, to be aware of the symptoms and the preventative measures to combat this growing health concern.

1. The increase in throat cancer cases, particularly HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), is a significant health-and-wellness concern that has been on the rise for several decades.
2. Historically, throat cancers were primarily linked to smoking and alcohol, but now the majority of oropharyngeal cancers are due to HPV infection, a finding that emphasizes the importance of sexual-health education.
3. Migraines, neurological disorders, and mental-health issues are not the only conditions associated with HPV, as HPV-positive head and neck cancers exhibit altered expression of several oncogenes and genes involved in tumor progression like CDC42, ISG15, ITGB1, PXN, which corroborate cancer development and patient prognosis.
4. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms related to HPV-related throat cancer, such as neck mass or swelling, ear pain, painful swallowing, snoring, difficulty eating, vocal changes, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, and unexplained weight loss, as HPV spreads from person to person via oral sex.
5. The Adoption of HPV vaccination and improved screening methods, such as the search for the P16 molecular marker, will potentially reduce the rising tide of HPV-related throat cancer, especially among otherwise healthy men aged 35 to 55.

Read also: