You may have seen reports that certain types of head and neck cancer are becoming more common in younger adults. While tobacco and alcohol remain important risk factors, researchers have identified another major contributor to this trend: human papillomavirus (HPV).
Understanding the connection between HPV and head and neck cancer can help you recognize potential symptoms, learn about prevention, and know when to talk with your healthcare provider.
What is head and neck cancer?
Head and neck cancer includes several types of cancer that develop in the mouth, throat, and voice box. These cancers are grouped according to where they begin.
One type, oropharyngeal cancer, develops in the back of the throat, including the tonsils and the base of the tongue. This is different from oral cavity cancer, which can develop in areas such as the front of the tongue, gums, and lining of the mouth.
In the past, many head and neck cancers were linked to tobacco and alcohol use and were more commonly diagnosed in adults older than 50. As tobacco use declined in the United States, rates of some head and neck cancers also decreased.
However, oropharyngeal cancer has become more common in recent decades, including among younger adults. HPV is responsible for a growing proportion of these cancers.
How is HPV connected to head and neck cancer?
HPV is a common virus that spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. Most sexually active people will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives, often without knowing it.
In most cases, the immune system clears HPV naturally, but some infections persist for years. Certain high-risk types of HPV can cause changes in cells that may eventually lead to cancer.
HPV is associated with about 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States. These cancers can develop in people who have never smoked or used tobacco.
HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer is often diagnosed in men and may occur at a younger age than head and neck cancers associated with tobacco and alcohol. However, HPV-related cancer can affect people of any sex, age, or background.
Having HPV doesn’t mean you will develop cancer. Most HPV infections don’t cause cancer, and it can take many years for a persistent infection to lead to cancer.
Why are HPV-related head and neck cancers increasing?
Researchers believe the increase is connected to changes in HPV exposure over time. HPV can spread through oral sexual contact, and having more sexual partners can increase the likelihood of exposure to the virus.
However, it’s important not to assume that an individual’s sexual history explains a cancer diagnosis. HPV is extremely common, and infections can remain undetected for years. In many cases, it’s not possible to determine when or from whom someone acquired HPV.
HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer is now the most common HPV-associated cancer in the United States. This is partly because cervical cancer rates have declined with screening and prevention, while HPV-related cancers of the throat have continued to increase.
What are the symptoms of head and neck cancer?
There is currently no routine screening test for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, similar to Pap or HPV testing for cervical cancer. That makes knowing the potential warning signs especially important.
Symptoms can have many causes, but talk with your healthcare provider if you notice symptoms that persist, worsen, or don’t have an obvious explanation.
Possible warning signs include:
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- A sore throat that doesn’t go away
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Persistent pain in the throat or neck
- Ear pain, especially on one side
- A change in your voice or persistent hoarseness
- A red or white patch, or a sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth or throat
Some HPV-related cancers first appear as a painless lump in the neck. Your dentist may notice abnormalities in parts of the mouth during a routine examination, but cancers deep in the throat may not be visible during a dental checkup.
If you have symptoms that concern you, don’t wait for your next dental appointment. Contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation.
What should you know about treatment?
HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers generally have better treatment outcomes than HPV-negative cancers. However, every diagnosis is different, and outcomes depend on factors such as the cancer’s location, stage, and the person’s overall health.
Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. Your care team will consider the specific features of your cancer when recommending a treatment plan.
If you’ve been diagnosed with head and neck cancer, ask whether HPV testing is appropriate for your cancer type. This information can help your care team understand your diagnosis and guide treatment discussions.
The importance of awareness
The increase in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer highlights the importance of understanding HPV, knowing about vaccination, and recognizing symptoms that don’t go away.
Head and neck cancer can affect younger adults, including people who have never smoked. If you notice a persistent lump, sore throat, swallowing difficulty, or other unexplained symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider. Early evaluation can help you understand what’s causing the symptoms and whether further testing is needed.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes4Me is not acting as your caregiver, and any suggestions or guidance offered should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
