HPV Throat And Mouth Cancer | Dentist in Monroe, NC | Dr. Mjahed, DDS
Is HPV Connected to Throat and Mouth Cancer?
HPV is on the rise amongst teens and young adult individuals. The oral HPV infection is transferred most often through intimate contact like kissing. This condition is known to cause warts in different parts of the body. They may develop in the oral cavity where mouth lesions may become visible. Learn more about the connection between HPV and other oral health-related issues like throat, and mouth cancers.
If you suspect that you have some form of HPV throat and mouth cancer contact Dr. Mjahed, a dentist in Monroe NC. Dr Mjahed can help you learn more about this condition and where you can go for health care.
Continue reading to learn more about HPV throat mouth cancer.
What is HPV?
HPV is an abbreviated form of the term human papillomavirus. Although its abbreviation at first glance may be confused with both HSV or HIV these conditions are not related.
The HPV infection is classified as a double-stranded DNA virus. Which means that it is a virus that has DNA as its genetic material and replicates using a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase. It spreads when it comes in contact with the epithelial (squamous) cells of the skin and mucosa. The pathogen infects moist epithelial surfaces such as the genitalia, oral cavity (including inner cheek, gums, and tongue), and throat.
There are different ways by which you can contract this virus. It appears that all modes of transmission are not yet known. HPV has become the most common transmitted infection that can affect the oral cavity in the United States. There are many types of this virus that can compromise your oral health. Some of them are known to cause other health issues, including genital warts and various other types of cancer.
The HPV Throat and Mouth Cancer Connection
Human papillomavirus can infect your mouth and throat via an oropharyngeal HPV infection. Formation of virus colonies at the back of the mouth leads to throat and mouth cancer. This disorder is also known as oropharyngeal cancer. HPV is regarded as the major cause of oropharyngeal cancers of the throat, tongue, and tonsils.
There are about 200 strains of the HPV virus. But the particular one that has a strong connection to oropharyngeal cancer is strain number 16 (HPV16).
The most dangerous issue is that many of those who have it do not know. It doesn’t always produce worrying symptoms. Even when it shows some signs and symptoms, such often disappear without any form of treatment. This means if an infection is transmitted you may not be aware until a serious problem like mouth cancer surfaces.
A Rise In Cancer That Affect The Oral Cavity Cases
Incidence of oropharyngeal cancer development is on the rise. To learn more about cancers that affect oral health, the mouth, throat, tongue and tonsils and risk factors you can start by having a conversation with Dr. Mjahed, a Monroe NC dentist. Parents with teens should especially be concerned since teenagers are at higher risk of contracting the infection due to their lifestyle.
A 2016 report by the Canadian Cancer Society revealed a steady increase in cases of throat and mouth cancers in the previous two decades. The surge in incidence was especially significant among men.
A 56 percent increase in cases was reported among Canadian men in the period from 1992 to 2012. The reported rise was 17 percent among women. Based on the published data, about one in every three cases of cancers caused by HPV was mouth and throat cancer. This showed that the virus is a major factor in the increasing cases of oropharyngeal cancer or cancer that affects the oral cavity.
Dr. Joseph Dort, otolaryngology head and neck surgery chief at Calgary’s Foothills Medical Center, told CTV News when the report was released that data suggested throat and mouth cancer would be the most common form of malignancy linked to HPV by 2020.
Be Proactive. Educate Yourself. Take Precautions
It is obvious that you will need to do more to protect yourself against HPV infection. Thankfully, there is an HPV vaccination that you can be administered to prevent infection. These typically protect against two or more strains of the virus. HPV type 16 is among one of the main types of HPV that vaccines protect you against.
Reach out to a dental professional if you feel that you may be at risk due to mouth to mouth contact with an infected individual. Symptoms that could suggest oral cancer or an oral HPV infection include persistent sore throat, red or white patches on lips or inside the mouth, difficulty swallowing, loose teeth and ulcers.
Regular dental exams can help to detect these symptoms early. Timely detection can make a lot of difference.
Come See Us At Our Dental Practice in Monroe, NC
Monroe Family Dentistry is there for you and your children from day one and we are happy to work with you and your child to start habits from birth. If you live near Monroe, NC call us to schedule an appointment today at 704.776.4278.
These are just some of the services we provide. To learn more about our dental practice in Monroe NC and the services we provide, call us or submit an appointment request.
