Over the last few months, I have had several people ask me about HPV. When I was asked about it, it came out as something “shameful” or problematic. As a result, I wanted to discuss what it is and its impact on your oral health.

HPV is the abbreviation for human papillomavirus. It is a DNA virus from the papillomavirus family. There are more than 100 different strains of virus that affect different parts of the body.  Each strain is designated with a number. For example, HPV-1, HPV-2, etc. It is spread by skin to skin contact.

HPV is known as the wart virus. This is because all warts are caused by HPV. HPV causes flat warts, common warts, genital warts and plantar warts. No one wants warts, especially not genital warts. Luckily, most of the time, warts causing HPV viruses are harmless. And 90% of warts will resolve on their own within two years.

The problem with HPV is that not all HPV strains cause warts. Sadly, HPV strains that do not cause warts are linked to cancer. Certain HPV stains are directly linked to oral cancer, cervical cancer, genital cancer and anal cancer.

HPV has changed our screening process for cancer. This is especially true for head and neck cancer. Until recently, most head and neck cancers were found to be caused by lifestyle. More specifically, these cancers are associated with excessive alcohol use, tobacco use, smoking and drug use. Now a day, 70% of all head and neck cancers are linked to HPV – especially HPV 16. No longer is cancer found in someone who does not take care of themselves. Instead, it can be found in the healthiest people.

Right now, there is no FDA approved test to screen for oral HPV in the throat or mouth. Medical and dental organizations do not feel that HPV testing is necessary. As a result, it is very important to have a cancer screening at all recare appointments. Additionally, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of the disease. These symptoms include: a persistent sore throat, earaches, hoarseness, enlarged lymph nodes, pain when swallowing, unexplained weight loss or lumps on the outside of the neck. If you experience any of these issues, please speak to your physician or an ENT immediately.

No one wants to read about warts or cancer. What a special topic to write about. Despite all this, HPV is more than a shameful disease. It is a virus that should be taken seriously. Not just because it causes warts. Instead, because knowing that you are at high risk and having regular screening could save your life.