How HPV Leads to Throat Cancer: Risks & Key Facts

June 21, 2024

5 minute read

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common types of viruses in the world. In addition to cervical cancer and genital warts, HPV is also linked to throat cancer, specifically oropharyngeal cancer, which is a type of head and neck cancer. Understanding this connection is crucial to early prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

In this article, we’ll look at how HPV is linked to throat cancer, other related risk factors, prevention through the HPV vaccine, and available treatment options.

What Is HPV?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) group consists of over 200 related viruses that are spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The HPV virus is so common that 8 out of 10 people will be infected at some point.

HPV infections are usually harmless and clear on their own. However, some strains, especially high-risk types like HPV 16 and 18, may cause various cancers by altering the DNA of infected cells.

While HPV is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, it can also cause several other types of cancer:

Cancer Type	New Cases Per Year (U.S.)*	HPV-Related Cases (U.S.)*	% Linked to HPV
Cervical	~13,000	~12,000	91%
Vaginal	863	600	75%
Vulvar	4,191	2,900	69%
Anal	7,288	6,600	91%
Penile	1,365	900	63%
Throat (Oropharyngeal)	20,236	14,400	70%

Source: U.S. CDC/ACS data (~2013-2019 data, percentages from current estimates).

How Does HPV Cause Throat Cancer?

HPV infects the base of the tongue, the soft palate, and the oropharynx, the area of the throat that contains the tonsils. Unlike the more common patient for head and neck cancer, the cancers are typically squamous cell carcinomas and occur in young, nondrinking, nonsmoking people.

The virus infects the epithelial cells and may cause genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth and, eventually, cancer.

In the early stages, many patients with HPV-related throat cancer don’t show any symptoms. But a few signs could be:

Persistent sore throat
Having difficulty swallowing
Pain in the ears
Changes in voice or hoarseness
enlarged neck lymph nodes
Unexplained weight loss
A lump in the throat or neck

Go for the medical evaluation immediately. If symptoms last for more than 2–3 weeks.

Risk Factors for Throat Cancer

Other factors can raise your risk of throat cancer in addition to HPV infection:

Use of tobacco (chewing or smoking)
Excessive use of alcohol
Throat cancer is 2-3 times more common in men than in women.
While traditional throat cancers are often diagnosed after age fifty, HPV-related cases can occur in younger individuals
Vitamin deficiencies or malnutrition
Chronic Acid reflux disease (GERD)
Vaping or E-cigarette– Although it is still being researched, but is generally discouraged.

The HPV Vaccine: A Powerful Prevention Tool

Getting the HPV vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent cancers linked to HPV. Even though it is readily available, many people are not aware of its ability to prevent cancer.

Important Information Regarding the HPV Vaccine:

99% effective against genital warts and cancer-causing HPV strains.
The ideal age range is 11–12 years old, although it can be administered as early as 9 and as late as 45.
For users aged 9 to 14, two vaccine doses are recommended, given 6 to 12 months apart. For those aged 15 to 26, three doses are given over six months.
Usually, little side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, and injection site pain.

All eligible individuals are advised to get the vaccine, which is a significant advancement in cancer prevention.

Key Statistics: HPV & Throat Cancer

Category	Global	India
HPV Prevalence	~80% of sexually active people get HPV during their lifetime.	Varied prevalence in women (e.g., 7.5%–16.9% for cervical HPV); no comprehensive nationwide tracking.
Annual HPV-Related Cancer Cases	~690,000 total; mostly cervical cancer globally.	~124,000 new cervical cancer cases and ~77,000+ deaths annually.
HPV-Linked Throat Cancer	60–70% of oropharyngeal cancers are HPV-positive in developed countries.	~20–22% of oropharyngeal cancers linked to HPV; rising proportion in men.
HPV+ Throat Cancer Trend	Rising sharply (+225% in the U.S. from 1988-2004), a global increase was observed.	Slower rise compared to Western countries; tobacco/alcohol use remains a major risk factor.
HPV Vaccine Effectiveness	Up to 99% effective before exposure.	Same high efficacy, but low vaccination coverage, and not yet part of the Universal Immunization Program (UIP).
Oral HPV Reduction (Vaccine)	Up to 88% fewer oral infections in vaccinated adults.	Limited specific data, but a similar benefit is expected with widespread vaccination.
Cancer Risk Reduction in Males	~55% lower risk of HPV-related cancers with the vaccine.	Limited large-scale data specifically for Indian males; the male vaccination focus has been limited.
Vaccination Rates	~63% of U.S. teens vaccinated (2021 data).	Under 5% overall coverage; not yet in the national immunization program.

Key Notes:

Approximately 80% of individuals globally will get HPV; India has high rates as well, although there is little national monitoring.
India has one of the highest rates of HPV-related cancer worldwide, with over 123,000 cases of cervical cancer reported there each year.
HPV has been linked to 60–70% of throat cancers in the West and 20–22% of oropharyngeal cancers in India.
Despite being 99% effective, the HPV vaccine is not included in the national program, and vaccination rates are extremely low in India.
Globally, HPV-related throat cancers are on the rise; however, in India, the slower rise is seen due to high tobacco use being the main risk factor.
The above data may be subject to change with ongoing research and clinical analysis.

Fortunately, particularly among non-smokers, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers often respond better to treatment than HPV-negative cases.

Common Treatments Include:

Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer, often the first line of treatment.
Surgery: Used in some cases to remove tumors if operable.
Chemotherapy: May be combined with radiation for better cancer treatment.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs that block cancer cell growth by affecting their molecular pathway.
Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer without harming the normal cells.
Clinical Trials: Ongoing studies may offer access to advanced therapies.

The patient’s stage, location, and general health will all affect your treatment plan.

FAQs

Can HPV cause throat cancer?
Indeed, one of the main causes of oropharyngeal (throat) cancer is HPV, particularly type 16. In the United States, it is responsible for about 70% of all cases of throat cancer.

How does someone get HPV in the throat?
HPV usually spreads by deep kissing or oral sex with an infected partner. Through contact with mucous membranes, it spreads from one skin to another.

Who is at the highest risk for HPV-related throat cancer?
People who smoke, have multiple oral sex partners, are men, or have compromised immune systems are more vulnerable.

Is throat cancer from HPV preventable?
The majority of throat infections and other HPV-related cancers can be avoided with the HPV vaccine. Risk can also be decreased by abstaining from tobacco and engaging in safe sexual behavior.

Is HPV-related throat cancer curable?
In fact, it is frequently quite treatable, particularly with an early diagnosis. Treatment generally works better for HPV-positive cases than for HPV-negative ones.

About Author

Dr Sharmin Yaqin

Dr Sharmin, for over 15 years has been actively working on the prevention of cancer. Her current research interest is in finding ways to prevent cancer and reduce the burden, suffering and mortality.