Oral sex and throat cancer: Examining associations, verifiable data, and scientific studies
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the connection between oral sex and throat cancer, particularly those associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV). While researchers have not definitively linked HPV with the development of oral cancers, it is clear that the virus plays a significant role in the rise of throat cancers in the United States.
HPV can cause pre-cancerous changes in cells, which may lead to throat cancer later on. Some types of HPV are known to cause the growth of warts in the mouth and throat, potentially leading to severe airway obstruction and complications. In extremely rare cases, these warts can become cancerous.
The main sexual-behaviour-related risk factors for HPV-associated oral and throat cancers include a high number of sexual partners, a history of oral-genital or anal-oral sex, and partners with abnormal cervical health. Having multiple sexual partners, particularly six or more, significantly increases the risk. Engaging in oral-genital or anal-oral sex raises the risk substantially; for example, having four or more partners for oral sex increases the risk by 125%.
Infection with HPV type 16 is strongly linked to oropharyngeal cancer, giving about a 14-fold increased risk. Other contributing factors include younger age at first intercourse, history of genital warts, immunosuppression, and certain genetic variations.
While HPV is a leading cause, tobacco use and alcohol remain independent and additive risk factors for oral-throat cancers. Smoking damages immune cells in the skin, making it more difficult for the body to clear an HPV infection.
The early stages of oral cancer may cause discolored tissues in the mouth, mouth sores and ulcers that do not heal, and swelling or lumps in the mouth. The symptoms of HPV may be "silent," but the condition may be advancing to an early stage of oral cancer when the following signs start to occur: mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal within 3 weeks, discolored tissues in the mouth, pain while swallowing, swelling with no pain in the tonsils, pain while chewing, an ongoing sore throat or croaky voice with a persistent cough, a feeling of numbness in the mouth and lips, any swelling or lumps in the mouth, as well as painless lumps on the outside of the neck, a one-sided earache that persists for more than several days.
The outlook for people with oral HPV is not clear, as the relationship between the virus and the development of oral cancers is still being researched. However, vaccination against HPV and practicing safe sexual behaviors, such as using barrier methods during oral sex, are key preventive measures.
It is important to note that oral sex does not directly cause throat cancer, but it can spread HPV. Other factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to certain chemicals, also contribute to the risk of developing throat cancer.
The HPV vaccine, such as Gardasil 9, can reduce a person's risk of contracting HPV. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also help lower the risk of developing throat cancer. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help detect any potential issues early and increase the chances of successful treatment.
[1] American Cancer Society. (2020). What are the risk factors for oral cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV Vaccine: What Everyone Needs to Know. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine.html [3] National Cancer Institute. (2019). What You Need To Know About HPV and Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-fact-sheet [4] World Health Organization. (2020). Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)-and-cervical-cancer [5] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®): Health Professional Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/hpv-related-oropharyngeal-cancer-treatment-pdq
- The connection between oral sex and throat cancer, particularly those associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), has raised concerns in medical-conditions research.
- HPV can trigger pre-cancerous changes in cells, potentially leading to oral cancers in the future.
- Some types of HPV are known to cause the growth of warts in the mouth and throat, which can cause severe airway obstruction.
- In rare cases, these warts can become cancerous, contributing to the rise of throat cancers in the United States.
- The main risk factors for HPV-associated oral and throat cancers include a high number of sexual partners, a history of oral-genital or anal-oral sex, and partners with abnormal cervical health.
- Having multiple sexual partners, particularly six or more, significantly increases the risk for these types of cancers.
- Engaging in oral-genital or anal-oral sex raises the risk substantially, with having four or more partners for oral sex increasing the risk by 125%.
- Infection with HPV type 16 is strongly linked to oropharyngeal cancer, offering a 14-fold increased risk.
- Other contributing factors include younger age at first intercourse, history of genital warts, immunosuppression, and certain genetic variations.
- Tobacco use and alcohol remain independent and additive risk factors for oral-throat cancers, damaging immune cells and making it more difficult for the body to clear an HPV infection.
- The early stages of oral cancer may cause discolored tissues in the mouth, mouth sores and ulcers that do not heal, swelling or lumps in the mouth, and other symptoms like ongoing sore throat and croaky voice, feeling of numbness in the mouth and lips, and painless lumps on the outside of the neck.
- To reduce the risk of contracting HPV, vaccination, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are key preventive measures.
