Throat Cancer Caused by HPV

Discover premature throat cancer caused by the HPV virus. In the oropharynx, there are more and more HPV 16 related cancers. This part of the mouth is not visually visible to the dental therapist during a routine check.

Facts about throat cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV )

• By 2020, more men are throat cancer through the HPV virus than women get cervical cancer through the HPV virus.
• Throat cancer occurs 3 times as much in men as in women
• HPV throat cancer begins primarily in men from 40 years
• The type 16 virus is responsible for more than 90% of HPV-related throat cancer
• The cancer is almost always discovered at a late stage, only after clear complaints such as swollen lymph nodes, persistent hoarseness or swallowing problems

Early discovery with HPV-16 L1 blood test

• Through a simple and painless blood test, the dental practitioner can determine in 15 minutes whether there are antibodies to the HPV 16 virus in the patient.
• A positive result, with a 99.5% confidence, indicates that there is a virus infection with the risk of altering cells and thus a chance of a prostate cancer or tumors.
• The patient with a positive test result should be regularly checked and referred (in consultation) to the surgeon or NPO doctor for further investigation.
• HPV-related throat cancers can now be discovered at an early stage, which makes the survival chances and consequences for the patient much more beneficial.

Dentists and dental hygienists play a crucial role in the prevention of mouth and throat cancer

• By visually checking the oral cavity for abnormalities that may indicate the presence of oral cancer caused by smoking or alcohol.
• The HPV-16 L1 blood test can detect and treat premature HPV related throat cancer. 
• Men from 40 years of age should be approached for such a blood test, by the dental practitioner.

*Image source : Pinterest

References :

1. National Cancer Institute
2. Mayo Clinic
3. American Cancer Society