What Is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the source of the infection by which cervical cancer and genital warts can be brought on. An infection in the mouth and throat can be brought on by certain HPV strains. The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most prevalent STD in the US. There are more than 40 different forms of HPV, although the majority are eliminated from the body by the immune system without harming the body. Nevertheless, certain HPV strains impact the throat and mouth. While high-risk strains are linked to head and neck malignancies that affect the tonsils, back of the tongue, mouth, and throat, low-risk strains can produce mouth or throat warts. One kind of head and neck cancer is oral cancer.
What Is Oropharyngeal Cancer?
The tonsils, rear of the mouth, and base of the tongue are all included in the category of head and neck cancer, known as oropharyngeal cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer is the term used to describe cancer found in this region. Squamous cells are where most head and neck malignancies start. The mouth, nose, and throat insides are among the moist regions of the head and neck lined with these cells.
What Are the Causes of Oropharyngeal Cancer?
Although there has been a decline in head and neck cancer occurrences recently, smoking cigarettes remains one of the primary causes of the disease. Oropharyngeal cancer is increasing as head and neck cancer cases have declined. Oropharyngeal cancer can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly in younger individuals who are more likely to get the virus. Deep tongue kissing is considered to be the major way that oral HPV spreads. Through intercourse, the virus is transferred from one person to another.
The following factors increase the chance of contracting the infection:
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Have more sexual partners.
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Use alcohol or tobacco.
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Possess a compromised immune system.
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Compared to women, men are more likely to get an oral HPV infection.
It is known that some HPV strains can cause laryngeal or throat cancer. We refer to this as oropharyngeal carcinoma. Almost all oral malignancies are linked to HPV-16.
Does HPV Cause Cancer?
The tonsils and cervix are two examples of internal body lining cells that HPV infects. The majority of people can recover from an HPV infection. Usually, the illness clears up on its own in a year or two. A portion of the virus may occasionally linger for several years and promote aberrant cell proliferation, eventually resulting in cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Oropharyngeal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection?
The signs and symptoms are:
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An ache, discomfort, or irritability that persists.
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Itching, soreness, numbness in the lips or mouth, and red or white spots.
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Bulges, thinning tissues, uneven patches, and crusty or eroded places.
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Difficulty speaking, eating, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw.
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A prolonged sore throat, a voice change, swallowing pain, earaches, and unexplained weight loss are among the complaints made by some patients.
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Unusual noises made by high-pitched breathing.
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Cough.
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Spitting out blood.
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More than two to three weeks of sore throat, even after antibiotics.
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Persistent hoarseness after three to four weeks.
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Enlarged lymph nodes.
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A white or red lesion on the tonsils.
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Jaw soreness or edema.
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Bump in the cheek or neck.
Inform the dentist if they experience any of these symptoms, particularly if they have persisted for over two weeks.
What Are the Risk Factors for Oropharyngeal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection?
The risk factors for oropharyngeal human papillomavirus infection are:
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Smoking - It has been demonstrated that smoking encourages HPV invasion. In addition to increasing the risk of oral cancer, inhaling hot smoke can cause tears and wounds in the mouth.
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Consuming Alcoholic Beverages - Studies have revealed that males who drink heavily are more likely to get HPV infection.
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Kissing With an Open Mouth - Because oral HPV may spread from mouth to mouth, some studies have shown that kissing with the mouth open increases the risk of oral HPV. However, additional research is needed to confirm this.
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Male - Compared to women, men are more likely to be diagnosed with oral HPV.
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Oral Sex - There is a possible danger associated with more oral sex, with males being more susceptible, particularly if they smoke.
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Multiple Partner - Having several partners for sex might make one more vulnerable. Having more than 20 sexual partners in a lifetime might raise the likelihood of oral HPV infection by up to 20 percent.
How to Diagnose Oropharyngeal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection?
Tests cannot identify an oral HPV infection since it does not exhibit any symptoms. Cancer does not always present with worrying symptoms, but one should still consult a physician to get it checked. There could be a physical examination. A dentist may examine an oral cavity. The medical history and any symptoms that have been seen may be questioned. The healthcare professional may use a flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end to examine the nose or throat.
The doctor may prescribe further tests, such as the following if they suspect cancer:
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Biopsy to check tumor. They also check the tissue for HPV.
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Chest radiograph.
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Chest CT (computed tomography) scan.
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Head and neck CT scan.
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MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) results for the head and neck.
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PET (positron emission tomography) scan.
How to Treat Oropharyngeal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection?
The majority of oral HPV types disappear before posing any health risks. If HPV causes oral warts, the doctor will probably remove the warts. Because the warts may be difficult to reach, treating them with topical therapies can be challenging.
To cure the warts, the doctor could employ any of the following techniques:
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Surgical excision cryotherapy, where the wart is frozen, and injectable interferon alfa-2B (Intron A, Roferon-A).
Conclusion:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) enters through a cut or other opening in the mouth; it causes oral HPV. An examination is conducted to make the diagnosis. The warts may be surgically removed or removed with cryotherapy as part of the treatment. The majority of oral HPV types disappear before posing any health risks. If HPV causes oral warts, the physician will probably remove the warts.
