The HPV Virus
The Human Papillomavirus, is one of the most common viral infections on earth and one receiving increasing attention in the medical community and the media. HPV comes in many forms--from the common wart to sexually transmitted genital warts to strains that lend put women at risk for cervical cancer.
That same strain that lends itself to cervical cancer can also make its home in mouths and throats--leading to cancer there as well.
How HPV Works
HPV comes in the form of an often latent STD. Therefore, the virus usually infects the mouth and throat via oral sex. Many, if not most people infected with HPV in their mouths and throats have no noticeable symptoms. However, if the infected person smokes or drinks, it may precipitate the conditions for cancer.
Treatment
There is no known viable treatment for HPV itself. The infection is permanent and communicable via direct contact with, or secretions from the affected area.
HPV related throat cancer is treatable. Like any throat cancer, chemotherapy, radiation and sometimes immunotherapy are the usual course. However, research by the American Cancer Society has revealed that HPV related throat cancers respond better to treatment than other throat cancers. Researchers speculate that lighter doses of radiation and chemotherapy may prove effective.
Immunization
In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved the release of Gardasil, a vaccine against four strains of HPV. Two strains are responsible for roughly 70 percent of cervical cancers and the other two strains relate to 90 percent of genital warts. Many pediatricians have been recommending this vaccine strongly to girls and young women.
Researchers at Ohio State University are hopeful that the advent of Gardasil may allow for further development of a vaccine that can prevent the HPV strains related to throat cancer.
Tags: related throat, throat cancer, cervical cancer, genital warts, related throat cancer, throat cancers