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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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 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 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:
Oropharyngeal cancer may also be treated with one or more of these categories of drugs:
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.