Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. Usually, it shows no symptoms or signs in the patients.

However, the virus can cause cancer or precancerous changes in the cells of the anus, cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and throat. In fact, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has warned that the number of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers has been increasing in recent decades.

What is HPV?

HPV is a viral infection that can affect the skin and moist membranes lining the body. There are over 100 types of HPV, and at least 14 types are linked to cancer.

HPV spreads via skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, primarily vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The virus can also spread by sharing sex toys or touching genitals.

HPV in the oral cavity

HPV can live inside the mouth and throat. The virus can infect the tonsils, tongue, palate, roof of the mouth, and throat. HPV infections in the oral cavity are called oropharyngeal cancers or HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers.

HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers are the fastest-growing type of head and neck cancers in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Symptoms of HPV in the oral cavity

Unlike most other viral infections, HPV often doesn’t have any visible symptoms. Many people who carry the virus never know they have it. However, some signs of HPV infection in the oral cavity include:.

Sore throat that lasts longer than usual
Difficulty swallowing
Bumps, lumps or swellings in the mouth, neck or throat
Changes in the voice or hoarseness that doesn’t go away
Persistent earaches
Unexplained weight loss
Bad breath

How does HPV cause cancer in the oral cavity?

It is not clear how HPV causes cancer in the oral cavity, but researchers suggest that the virus can damage certain genes that control cell growth and repair. As a result, the cells divide uncontrollably and form cancerous tumors.

HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers typically begin in the throat at the base of the tongue or in the tonsils, where the virus can infect the cells. Oropharyngeal cancers caused by HPV are generally more responsive to treatment than those caused by other factors such as tobacco and alcohol.

Who is at risk for HPV in the oral cavity?

Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV in the oral cavity. However, certain factors increase the risk, including:.

Having oral sex with someone who has HPV
Having multiple sexual partners
Having a weakened immune system
Being a smoker or using tobacco products

Vaccination against HPV can prevent most cases of HPV-related oral cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccination for all children at age 11 or 12 and for everyone up to age 26 who hasn’t been vaccinated earlier. Catch-up immunization is also recommended for males through age 21 and for females through age 26 who haven’t completed the series.

Conclusion

HPV can cause cancer in the oral cavity. However, the virus is preventable with vaccination. Vaccination against HPV can protect against most cases of HPV-related oral cancer.

People who are sexually active or have multiple partners should consider getting the HPV vaccine. In addition, people should abstain from oral sex with multiple partners and should stop using tobacco products. Talk to a healthcare provider to learn more about HPV, its risks, and how to prevent it.