Patna: Human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, is increasingly being linked to cancers of the throat and mouth, particularly in the oropharynx – the area that includes the base of the tongue and the tonsils.
Medical experts say certain high-risk strains of the virus, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, are strongly associated with cancer development. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that HPV-16 plays a major role in many oropharyngeal cancer cases globally.
Unlike cancers caused by tobacco and alcohol, HPV-related throat cancers are increasingly being detected among younger people who may not have traditional risk factors such as smoking or heavy drinking.
How HPV spreads to the throat
HPV spreads primarily through skin-to-skin contact. Oral HPV infections usually occur through oral-genital contact, though in rare cases deep kissing involving saliva exchange may also contribute to transmission.
Health experts note that most sexually active individuals encounter the virus at least once in their lifetime. In many cases, the body’s immune system clears the infection naturally within one to two years without causing serious health issues.
However, when high-risk HPV types persist in the body, they can sometimes lead to cancerous changes in throat tissues.
Symptoms of HPV-related throat infection
HPV infections in the throat often develop without noticeable symptoms for months or even years. When symptoms appear, they may include:
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Persistent sore throat
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Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
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Voice changes or persistent hoarseness
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Feeling of something stuck in the throat
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Ear pain without clear ear infection
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Swelling in the neck due to enlarged lymph nodes
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Unexplained weight loss
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Persistent cough or, in severe cases, coughing up blood
Doctors advise seeking medical attention if such symptoms last longer than two to three weeks.
Diagnosis and medical tests
Currently, there is no widely approved routine screening test specifically for detecting HPV infection in the throat.
Diagnosis may involve:
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Physical examination of the mouth and throat
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Biopsy of suspicious tissue
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Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI if cancer is suspected
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HPV DNA testing of tumour samples in confirmed cancer cases
Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment success and survival rates.
Treatment options
While many HPV infections resolve on their own, treatment becomes necessary if complications such as warts or cancer develop.
Common treatment approaches include:
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Surgery: Removal of visible lesions or tumours
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Radiation therapy: Often used for moderate to advanced cancers
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Chemotherapy: Typically combined with radiation in severe cases
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Immunotherapy: Newer treatments designed to help the immune system attack cancer cells
Experts note that HPV-related throat cancers often respond better to treatment than cancers caused by tobacco or alcohol, especially when detected early.
Prevention and vaccination
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent HPV infection. Vaccines such as Gardasil 9 protect against the most dangerous HPV strains linked to cancers and genital warts.
Additional preventive measures include:
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Getting vaccinated early, ideally before sexual activity begins
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Using condoms or dental dams during oral sex
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Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups
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Limiting tobacco and alcohol use
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Practising safe sex and reducing the number of sexual partners
