Oral cancer linked to the Warts: The Human Papilloma Virus

The Human Papilla Virus (HPV) infection,  the cause of common warts, was found to be a much stronger risk factor than tobacco or alcohol use in a 300 people Johns Hopkins University study.

Vaginal, cervical and oral warts are not uncommon findings in careful medical and dental examinations. The HPV infection is the cause of the majority of cervical cancers, and 80% of sexually active women with multiple partners can expect to have an HPV infection at some point in their lives.

The Johns Hopkins study took blood and saliva from 100 men and women newly diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer which affects the throat, tonsils and back of the tongue.Those who had evidence of prior oral HPV infection had a 32-fold increased risk of throat cancer.HPV16 - one of the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus - was present in the tumours of 72% of cancer patients in the study.


There was no added risk for people infected with HPV who also smoked and drank alcohol, suggesting the virus itself is driving the risk of the cancer. Oral sex was said to be the main mode of transmission of HPV but the researchers said mouth-to-mouth transmission, for example through kissing, could not be ruled out.


A vaccine which protects against cervical cancer caused by HPV strains 6, 11, 16 and 18, and also against genital warts is available and the researchers said the study provided a rationale for vaccinating both girls and boys. More research is needed to explore the benefits of vaccination against oraparynegeal cancer.
Other risks for mouth cancer include age, smoking or chewing tobacco or betel nut, and drinking too much alcohol.


At State of the Art Comfort Dentistry, Dr. Shvartsman performs a twice-yearly oral cancer exam and an annual in depth exam with Trimira Identifi 3000.


To schedule your oral cancer screening, please call (631)361-3677