Discover Prematurely Throat Cancer Caused By HPV Virus

HPV type 16 related cancers occur in the oropharynx. This part of the mouth is not visually visible to the dental practitioner during a routine check.

Facts about throat cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV )
In 2020, more men are expected to get throat cancer from the HPV virus than women get cervical cancer from the HPV virus. Throat cancer is 3 times as common in men as in women. HPV throat cancer starts especially in men from 40 years.

The virus type 16 is responsible for more than 90% of HPV related throat cancers. The cancer is almost always discovered at a late stage, only after clear symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, persistent hoarseness or swallowing problems.



Early detection with the HPV-16 L1 blood test
Through a simple and painless blood test, the dental practitioner can determine in 15 minutes whether the patient has antibodies against the HPV 16 virus. A positive result indicates a 99.5% confidence that there is a virus infection with the risk of already changing cells and therefore a chance of a precursor of cancer or tumors.

The patient with a positive test result should be regularly checked and referred (in consultation) to the dental surgeon or ENT specialist for further investigation. HPV-related throat cancers can now be detected at an early stage, making the chances of survival and consequences for the patient much more favorable.

Dentists and dental hygienists play a crucial role in the prevention of mouth and throat cancer
Visually check the oral cavity for abnormalities that may indicate the presence of oral cancer caused by smoking or alcohol. With the HPV-16 L1 blood test, premature HPV-related throat cancers can be detected and treated earlier.

Men aged 40 and over would be best approached for such a blood test by the dental practitioner.

*Image source : No Health No Life

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