- HPV is now a leading cause of throat cancer, especially in tonsils and tongue base areas
- HPV-related throat cancers are rising as smoking rates decline worldwide
- Men are more affected by HPV-related throat cancer due to immune and infection differences
For decades, tobacco and alcohol were considered the primary causes of throat cancer. But a growing body of research now suggests that a sexually transmitted virus, human papillomavirus (HPV), is increasingly responsible for many cases of throat cancer, particularly cancers affecting the tonsils and the base of the tongue. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections globally, and it can spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including oral sex. While most infections clear naturally, certain high-risk strains can persist in the body and eventually trigger cancerous changes in cells of the throat and mouth.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is responsible for around 60-70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States, making it one of the leading causes of throat cancer today. Oropharyngeal cancers occur in the middle part of the throat, including the tonsils, base of the tongue and surrounding tissues. Doctors say the disease is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults and non-smokers, reflecting a shift in risk factors compared to previous decades.
As awareness grows about the role of HPV in throat cancer, health experts stress the importance of early detection, safe sexual practices and vaccination to reduce long-term cancer risk.
How HPV Causes Throat Cancer
HPV includes more than 200 related viruses, but only a small number are considered "high-risk" because they can lead to cancer. Among them, HPV-16 is the strain most strongly linked to throat cancer, accounting for the majority of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.
The virus infects cells in the lining of the throat, particularly in the tonsils and the base of the tongue. These areas contain deep tissue crevices where the virus can persist for years. Over time, HPV can interfere with normal cell function and trigger abnormal growth, eventually leading to cancer.
One of the reasons HPV-related throat cancer often goes undetected for years is that the infection can remain silent. Experts say the virus may persist for decades before cancer develops. Importantly, oral sex itself does not directly cause cancer, but it can transmit HPV to the mouth and throat, which in some cases leads to cancer later in life.
Also Read: All About The HPV Vaccine In India: Age, Doses And Who Should Avoid
Why HPV Is Becoming A Leading Cause Of Throat Cancer
The rise in HPV-related throat cancers has coincided with declining smoking rates in many countries. Historically, tobacco and alcohol were responsible for the majority of head and neck cancers. However, as smoking prevalence has fallen, the proportion of cancers linked to HPV infection has increased significantly.
Today, research suggests most oropharyngeal cancers in some regions are HPV-related, particularly among men. Scientists also believe changes in sexual behaviour over the past few decades may have contributed to the increase in oral HPV infections.
Studies have found that individuals with a higher number of oral sex partners may face a greater risk of HPV-related throat cancer. For example, one analysis reported that people with more than 10 lifetime oral sex partners were more than four times as likely to develop HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer.
However, researchers stress that most people who contract HPV will never develop cancer.
Why Men Are More Affected
HPV-related throat cancer is significantly more common in men than in women. In some studies, men account for the majority of cases. Researchers believe several factors may explain this difference, including biological variations in immune response and higher rates of oral HPV infection among men.
At any given time, a small percentage of adults may carry oral HPV infections, but only a fraction will eventually develop cancer. Even so, the rising incidence has made HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer one of the most common head and neck cancers today.
Symptoms To Watch For
Early symptoms of throat cancer can be subtle and may resemble common infections. Doctors say warning signs may include:
- Persistent sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- A lump in the neck
- Ear pain without infection
- Voice changes or hoarseness
- Unexplained weight loss
Because symptoms can appear mild initially, many cases are diagnosed at later stages.
Also Read: Doctor Explains The Silent Link Between HPV And Tonsil Cancer In Men
Can HPV-Related Throat Cancer Be Prevented?
Public health experts say prevention strategies are crucial in reducing HPV-related cancers.
- HPV Vaccination: Vaccines targeting high-risk HPV strains can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Health agencies recommend HPV vaccination for adolescents and young adults before exposure to the virus. Vaccination has already been shown to reduce infections linked to HPV-related cancers, including cervical and oropharyngeal cancers.
- Safe Sexual Practices: Using protection and limiting the number of sexual partners may reduce HPV transmission risk.
- Regular Medical Check-ups: Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes for throat cancer. Doctors also emphasize maintaining good oral health and seeking medical evaluation if symptoms persist for more than two weeks.
HPV infection, often transmitted through oral sex, is increasingly recognised as a major cause of throat cancer, particularly cancers of the tonsils and base of the tongue. While smoking and alcohol remain important risk factors, the growing proportion of HPV-related cases reflects a shift in how this disease develops. Experts stress that awareness, vaccination and early medical evaluation are key to reducing risk. Understanding the connection between HPV and throat cancer can help individuals make informed health decisions and encourage wider uptake of preventive measures such as HPV vaccination.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
