Oral and throat cancers linked to human papilloma virus

Infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted disease, has been linked to more than one third of all oral and throat cancers according to Dr. Solomon Hamburg, president of the prestigious Tower Cancer Research Foundation.

Dr. Hamburg explained, “In the past, oral cancers were almost always associated with smoking and alcohol abuse but now oncologists have observed that as many as one third to one half of cases are caused by HPV, which is found within the tumor tissue.” Normally, the virus is carried in the genital area of an average of about 27 percent of young American women and causes no symptoms, lasts eight to 24 months and then disappears. It is estimated that sooner or later, more than 80% of sexually active women will acquire genital HPV but 90% of these silent infections clear spontaneously. In some individuals it persists and becomes chronic and this group, with HPV, is at greater risk for viral-induced malignancy. In addition, the prevalence of HPV infection in men is about the same.

Education of the public about how this sexually transmitted virus causes throat and genital cancer is essential. A vaccine that significantly reduces the probability of infection is now available, although it is only approved for girls and young women for the prevention of cancer of the cervix. However, according to Dr, Hamburg, there is much pressure at present to expand the indication for vaccination and to include young men as well.