We know that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical cancer in women, but over the past decade we have also seen that the number of HPV-related oral cancers had quadrupled, according to Mount Sinai Hospital. the US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that around 70% of oropharyngeal cancers (tumors in the back of the throat) might be caused by HPV. “We are witnessing a veritable epidemic of HPV-associated cancers,” notes Dr. Genden. Men are now contracting throat cancer at an alarming rate.”
An increasing number of men are developing HPV infections in the throat, primarily from oral sex. However, there is no way to detect this virus in men, so it is important that they know if their partner is infected or not. Some symptoms of HPV-associated throat cancer manifest as pain when chewing, sores in the neck that won’t heal, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness.
Make sure you know what to do if your PAP (or Papanicolaou smear) test is “abnormal”.
