HPV: A Risk Factor For Oral Cancer
Posted by Lynne Eldridge MD at 7/1/2007 5:00 AM 
Categories: oral cancer, Dental Care, cancer prevention, hpv
Categories: oral cancer, Dental Care, cancer prevention, hpv
While many people understand the role of HPV in cervical cancer, especially after the approval of the HPV vaccine last summer, fewer are aware that roughly 25 percent of oral cancers in the U.S. are now attributed to HPV.
Thankfully, the oral cancers considered to be secondary to HPV infection have a better prognosis than those due to the traditional risk factors for oral cancer, heavy smoking combined with excess alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, many of these cancers occur in young people, frequently causing cancer to develop in women as early as their twenties.
Knowing this what should we do to lower the risk?
- Find a dentist that routinely screens all of his or her patients for oral cancer. Ask about this specifically and inquire about new screening procedures available. If your dentist does not do this, find a new one!
- If you or your partner have ever been diagnosed with high-risk HPV after an abnormal PAP smear, have had cryosurgery, a LEAP procedure, hysterectomy, or been diagnosed with cervical cancer, or have had, or slept with, a previous partner that has, make sure to let your dentist know.
- Guidelines for screening for oral cancer in those exposed to HPV are not currently available. For those that meet any of the above concerns: having slept with someone who has or has been with someone at risk, we offer a few recommendations. Check your mouth and tongue monthly as you would do self-breast exams or self-testicular exams. Bring any concerns to your dentist immediately. Have your partner check your mouth monthly as well.
- For those who have been diagnosed with high-risk HPV, see our dietary recommendations in our June 22 2007 entry. Dietary changes may accelerate the clearance of the HPV virus and lower the risk of developing cancer.
Most oral cancers due to HPV have a better outlook than physicians have traditionally seen, but the importance of early detection in paramount. Find a dentist attuned to HPV and its role in oral cancer. If you develop abnormalities in your mouth, especially if you have any of the risk factors above, look for referral sources carefully. (If you happen to live in the Midwest, or not, we highly recommend Merrill Biel M.D. in Minnesota). If your S.O. is not open to discussion or does not understand, follow our recommendations above for dentists!
More information on HPV and cancer prevention is available at our website, www.avoidcancernow.com, and in our book, "Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time"
Thankfully, the oral cancers considered to be secondary to HPV infection have a better prognosis than those due to the traditional risk factors for oral cancer, heavy smoking combined with excess alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, many of these cancers occur in young people, frequently causing cancer to develop in women as early as their twenties.
Knowing this what should we do to lower the risk?
- Find a dentist that routinely screens all of his or her patients for oral cancer. Ask about this specifically and inquire about new screening procedures available. If your dentist does not do this, find a new one!
- If you or your partner have ever been diagnosed with high-risk HPV after an abnormal PAP smear, have had cryosurgery, a LEAP procedure, hysterectomy, or been diagnosed with cervical cancer, or have had, or slept with, a previous partner that has, make sure to let your dentist know.
- Guidelines for screening for oral cancer in those exposed to HPV are not currently available. For those that meet any of the above concerns: having slept with someone who has or has been with someone at risk, we offer a few recommendations. Check your mouth and tongue monthly as you would do self-breast exams or self-testicular exams. Bring any concerns to your dentist immediately. Have your partner check your mouth monthly as well.
- For those who have been diagnosed with high-risk HPV, see our dietary recommendations in our June 22 2007 entry. Dietary changes may accelerate the clearance of the HPV virus and lower the risk of developing cancer.
Most oral cancers due to HPV have a better outlook than physicians have traditionally seen, but the importance of early detection in paramount. Find a dentist attuned to HPV and its role in oral cancer. If you develop abnormalities in your mouth, especially if you have any of the risk factors above, look for referral sources carefully. (If you happen to live in the Midwest, or not, we highly recommend Merrill Biel M.D. in Minnesota). If your S.O. is not open to discussion or does not understand, follow our recommendations above for dentists!
More information on HPV and cancer prevention is available at our website, www.avoidcancernow.com, and in our book, "Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time"
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