When most people think of oral health, they picture brushing, flossing, and cavities. However, your mouth can be the first place you discover a life-threatening disease — and recognizing the signs could save your life.
Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers, those affecting the tonsils, base of tongue, and throat. These cancers have increased over the past three decades, even as those linked to smoking and alcohol have declined. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer is now more common than cervical cancer.
Most people who get HPV clear the virus naturally without knowing. However, when it persists, it can trigger cellular changes that develop into cancer years later. These cancers often present with subtle symptoms that are easily missed until they’ve progressed. That’s why awareness is critical for patients, dentists, and primary care providers.
Symptoms of HPV-related head and neck cancer
Tom Bennett, a dad, small-business owner, and Head & Neck Cancer Alliance ambassador, noticed a painless lump on his neck while shaving. He figured it was just another sinus infection. Several weeks later, he was diagnosed with stage IV HPV-positive cancer at the base of his tongue.
“How can I have cancer?” he remembers thinking. “I feel fine.”
Tom’s story isn’t unusual. Many patients are diagnosed after treatment for presumed infections that don’t clear up. Early signs of HPV-related head and neck cancer can include:
- Sore throat or ear pain lasting more than two weeks
- Painless lump in the neck
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Mouth sores or white patches that don’t heal
Dentists often spot these signs first, making regular dental visits about more than clean teeth. A head and neck exam during a dental checkup can be life-saving.
The HPV vaccine for cancer prevention
The HPV vaccine is cancer prevention in a shot — it’s safe, effective, and recommended for children as young as age 9, with catch-up vaccination through age 26. Adults up to age 45 may also benefit after consulting their provider.
Stewart Lyman, Ph.D., Alliance ambassador and cancer researcher, was diagnosed in 2016 with HPV-attributed tonsil cancer. Now an advocate for vaccination, he says, “Take it from me: Cancer prevention is always preferable to cancer treatment.”
The vaccine can prevent over 90% of HPV-related cancers, including those of the throat. Yet, only about 61% of adolescents in the United States are fully vaccinated, far below the 80% needed for community protection.
Reducing risk and detecting early
You can also reduce risk during intimacy. While condoms offer some protection, HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including oral sex. Limiting your number of sexual partners and avoiding sexual activity with individuals who’ve had many partners can lower risk. While the HPV virus is contagious, partners of people with HPV-related cancers are not at higher risk of developing cancer themselves.
Good oral hygiene matters. Research shows poor oral health is a risk factor for oral HPV infection, making brushing, flossing, and dental checkups important for cancer prevention.
New screening tools like biomarker-based tests are being studied to detect recurrence or risk in patients. In the future, we may have widespread, noninvasive ways to monitor risk, leading to earlier detection and better outcomes. For now, it starts with knowing your body, paying attention to symptoms, and speaking up.
HPV-related head and neck cancers are highly treatable when caught early, with survival rates above 80%. Early detection depends on awareness, and vaccination can prevent these cancers altogether.
If something feels off, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor. Ask your dentist for a head and neck exam. If you have children or teens, ensure they get vaccinated.
Oral health is about more than your smile. It might save your life.
For more information on symptoms, treatment, and support, or to provide oral screenings in your community, visit headandneck.org.
