Scientific advancements have made it possible to understand the cause of some cancers, including those linked to viral infections. Researchers have identified specific viruses that contribute to cancer development. One such virus is HPV, or human papillomavirus, a group of viruses most commonly associated with cervical cancer. However, many people may not be aware that this infection can also increase the risk of developing head and neck cancers, including oropharyngeal cancer, commonly called throat cancer. Let's look at HPV-related throat cancer and its symptoms so you can recognize signs and know what to look for especially if you're at high risk.
What is HPV?
HPV is a family of over 200 related viruses that are spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, primarily during sexual activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 42 million people, including both teenagers and adults, are currently infected with HPV in the United States, making it the most common sexually transmitted disease.
The different strains of HPV are classified as low-risk and high-risk. While most HPV infections clear up on their own and are not a cause for concern, two specific strains, HPV 16 and HPV 18, are known to cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, and some head and neck cancers.
How HPV Causes Throat Cancer
High-risk HPV strains, such as HPV 16, can infect the oropharynx, the area at the back of the throat that includes the base of the tongue and the tonsils. This area has a surface similar to that of the cervix, which is a common site for HPV infection in women.
If the body can't eliminate the virus, it may remain dormant for several years, potentially resulting in cancer development later in life. The American Cancer Society recommends HPV testing for women as part of the cervical cancer screening process every few years between the ages of 25 and 65. However, tests are not as effective when used on men so they're not recommended as part of an annual exam. Men can be screened by a doctor with a visual inspection to look for lesions, especially warts caused by the HPV virus.
Because there is no screening for men, and tend to be at a higher risk level, they are more likely to develop throat cancer from HPV than women. Throat cancer can develop slowly, often without noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- A persistent sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness without congestion
- A lump in the neck, which may indicate swollen lymph nodes
- Earaches
- Unexplained weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two or three weeks, it's important to schedule an appointment with your doctor to examine the cause.
Who Is at Risk for Developing Throat Cancer?
A human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the leading causes of throat cancer especially among men because they tend to be more likely to have additional risk factors such as:
- Smoking tobacco – even if it was in the past
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Vaping
- Being male
- Being over the age of 50
- Having chronic acid reflux (GERD)
- Poor nutrition
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Engaging in unprotected sex
The CDC currently estimates that around 70% of throat cancer diagnoses are caused by HPV, with most cases occurring in young adults. This percentage has now surpassed the cases linked to traditional risk factors like smoking and alcohol. Additionally, oropharyngeal cancers are twice as common in men as they are in women, and men are more frequently diagnosed with HPV-positive cases of the disease.
Can HPV-Related Throat Cancer Be Prevented?
Most people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives, and in many instances, the infection will clear up on its own within a couple of years. At present, there is no screening test available to detect HPV in the throat. However, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and prevent spreading the virus to others:
- Consider the HPV vaccine: The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females aged 9–26, although it is most effective when administered at ages 11–12, before puberty. Adults over 26 should consult their doctor to determine if the vaccine is appropriate for them.
- Limit your sexual partners and use protection during sexual activity: HPV infections are more likely if someone has had many sexual partners. However, anyone engaging in sexual activity is at risk if their partner has been exposed to HPV.
- Practice healthy lifestyle choices: Avoid using tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption to reduce your risk.
- Stay aware of symptoms: Persistent symptoms should not be ignored. If you experience any abnormal throat-related symptoms lasting more than two to three weeks, be sure to see your doctor. Early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Treatment Options for HPV-Related Throat Cancer
Several treatment options are available for individuals with HPV-related throat cancers. You and your cancer care team will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include multiple approaches. Various factors will influence your plan, including the exact location of the cancer, its stage, your overall health, and your preferences.
Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatment types:
Surgery
Surgery is a common approach to treating oropharyngeal cancer. The surgeon may remove the cancer and a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. Following surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be recommended to destroy any remaining cancer cells that aren't detectable.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. The most common type used for oropharyngeal cancer is external beam radiation therapy, delivered by a machine outside the body. Certain techniques can be used to protect nearby healthy tissue from damage, such as:
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): This type of external beam radiation therapy precisely targets tumor cells with varying intensities, minimizing exposure to surrounding organs and tissues.
- Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): An advanced approach that delivers high doses of radiation using multiple beams of varying intensity. Due to the high intensity of the radiation, treatment may be completed in a shorter time frame (1-5 treatments) compared to the standard 5-8 weeks required for IMRT.
Systemic Cancer Therapies
Oropharyngeal cancer may also be treated with one or more of these categories of drugs:
- Chemotherapy: These drugs either kill cancer cells and/or inhibit their ability to divide.
- Targeted therapy: This involves drugs that specifically target cancer cells by identifying the gene that is causing the cancer to grow. For throat cancer, a type of targeted therapy called monoclonal antibody therapy may be used.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, utilizing substances made naturally or created in a laboratory to enhance or restore the immune response against the disease.
Oropharyngeal Radiation Therapy Cancer Treatment in the Atlanta Area
If you've been diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer, and radiation therapy is part of your treatment plan, it's important to choose a conveniently located radiation oncologist. The Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia offers patients in the Atlanta area easy access to advanced radiation therapy at our locations in Conyers, Covington, Decatur, Snellville, and Blairsville.
Request an appointment with one of our oncologists to learn more about the treatment options available to you for the radiation therapy portion of your treatment.