One of the most common sexually transmitted infections, the human papillomavirus (HPV) holds the probability of affecting every individual that is sexually active. One of the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), there are more than 100 different types of HPV and another 40 subtypes. An HPV can affect one’s genital area or throat. It usually spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Engaging in oral sex is one of the most common ways of contracting HPV of the mouth and throat.
HPV can be cured; however, certain types of HPV, commonly known as high-risk HPV, can lead to certain types of cancer. One such type is oral HPV cancer.
The oral HPV cancer symptoms are limited or even absent in a few cases. This usually leads to patients ignoring the condition as there are no bodily changes that hint toward the development of cancer. Negligence and delay in the treatment process are, therefore, strongly associated with this condition. Warts in the mouth or throat are the only direct HPV cancer symptoms that can encourage the patient to get the necessary treatment. A mouth and throat HPV can often lead to oropharyngeal cancer. Strong symptoms start showing when the infection transforms into cancer. The cells are usually formed in the middle of the throat, tonsils, tongue, or pharynx walls.
Timely treatment is crucial in the treatment of any type of cancer. Below are a few early signs and symptoms that should encourage patients to consult a doctor and get tested for a throat and mouth HPV cancer:
- Development of an ulcer or a sore in the mouth that does not heal for 2-3 weeks, sometimes even longer. It is one of the most common symptoms for HPV mouth and throat cancer.
- A significant change in the color of the patient’s tongue due to an imparity in the soft tissues of the mouth. These tissues can adopt a red, black, or white discoloration.
- The tonsils could swell leading to a difficulty in swallowing. The patient can feel a large amount of pain and a stinging sensation of something being stuck while trying to swallow.
- Asymmetrical swelling in both the tonsils is a symptom of mouth and throat HPV cancer.
- Along with pain while swallowing, the patient can also feel intense pain while chewing in further stages of this condition.
- Some of the persistent and common HPV cancer symptoms are a sore throat, swelling or lump in the mouth, numbness in the lips or mouth, and coughing.