What is HPV?
The human papilloma viruses or HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect the skin and the moist membranes that line parts of the body, such as: the lining of the mouth and throat, the vagina, the cervix, the anus etc.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV.
Most people will get the virus at some point but it usually doesn鈥檛 cause any symptoms and goes away on its own.
However, some strains of HPV can cause warts, while others are linked to an increased risk of cancer.
There around 25 types that are known or suspected to cause cancer, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Is there a way to test for HPV?
At the moment there is only a test for cervical HPV available, which may be done after an abnormal Pap test result. Unfortunately there isn鈥檛 a way to test for HPV anywhere else, including the mouth or throat.
How does it cause cancer?
While in most cases our immune system can fight off HPV sometimes the virus causes or mutations in cells which build up over time and can turn into cancer.
What types of cancer does it cause?
HPV can cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer, cancer of the vulva and mouth and throat cancers.
While cervical cancer is perhaps the most notable HPV related cancer, results from the latest Canadian Cancer Society report shows the incidence of HPV oral cancers has increased dramatically. Between 1992 and 2012 there has been a 56 per cent increase in males and 17 per cent increase in females.
Those numbers will continue to go up until 2060, surpassing cervical cancer rates, University of Alberta oncologist Dr. Hadi Seikaly told 麻豆传媒.
What is oral cancer?
Mouth and throat or oral cancer is actually a number of different cancers. According to Dr. Seikaly the most common site is the oropharynx, or the oral cavity, which is the back of the mouth.
But it also includes cancer of the tongue, lips, gums, inside the mouth and tonsils.
How common is it?
The latest statistics from the Canadian Cancer Society show that less than 2 in 100 people will develop oral cancer in their lifetime.
Why is there an increase in HPV related mouth and throat cancer?
Robert Nuttall, Assistant Director at the Canadian Cancer society, explains: 鈥渢he rates we are seeing now are reflections of behaviour in the past.鈥� For example, there has been in people practising oral sex as well as people having .
Can anything else cause oral cancer?
There are many for oral cancer such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diet, age and sun exposure. HPV is responsible for 25 to 35 per cent of cases, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Some signs and symptoms to watch out for are:
- Ulcers that don鈥檛 heal
- Persistent discomfort or pain in the mouth
- White or red patches in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- A lump in the neck
If you have any concerns see your doctor.
What can be done to prevent it?
has shown that the vaccine is effective at preventing the HPV strains linked to pre-cancer, cervical cancer, anal cancer and genital warts.
There currently isn鈥檛 any evidence to show that the vaccine prevents mouth and throat cancer, but research is underway.
The vaccine is offered to girls in all the provinces and territories and boys in six provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI and Quebec).
You can also reduce your risk by not smoking or drinking too much and eating a healthy balanced diet.
Is it treatable?
Luckily, mouth and throat cancer is very responsive to treatment. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, if the treatment is done very aggressively we can treat about 95 per cent of them,鈥� said Dr. Seikaly. The five year survival for oral cancer is .
