Throat Health & HPV

Throat Health & HPV

Certain HPV types have been linked to cancers affecting the oropharynx, including the tonsils and base of the tongue. Although HPV-related throat cancers remain relatively uncommon, awareness has increased substantially over recent years.

Many patients become concerned after learning that they or a partner have HPV and worry about the possibility of throat cancer. In most cases there is no role for routine HPV throat testing, and a positive HPV result elsewhere does not mean that throat cancer will develop.

The most important consideration is the presence of symptoms that may require further assessment. Persistent throat discomfort, difficulty swallowing, unexplained ear pain, persistent hoarseness, a sensation of a lump in the throat or enlarged neck lymph nodes should always be assessed appropriately.

Whilst the vast majority of throat symptoms are not caused by cancer, persistent or unexplained symptoms should never be ignored and may warrant specialist ENT assessment.