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Oral Cancers linked to HPV: The New York Times

 
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This article reports on a JCO study finding that 40 percent of men with advanced tongue and tonsil cancers were infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). The study's lead author is quoted recommending that the HPV vaccine be considered for male adolescents. The article also mentions another JCO study, which found that people with tumors having high HPV levels were more likely to respond to treatment.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/13/health/13canc.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt...

Now researchers are finding that many oral cancers in men are also associated with the virus.

A clinical trial testing therapies for advanced tongue and tonsil cancers has found that more than 40 percent of the tumors in men were infected with HPV. If there is good news in the finding, it is that these HPV-associated tumors were among the most responsive to treatment.

Of an estimated 28,900 cases of oral cancer a year, 18,550 are in men.

Add a Comment4 Comments

Pat- thank you for your response...this shows how vulnerable we are to our environments and lifestyles- please everyone be aware and get checked regularly.

January 21, 2011 - 12:33pm
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

runnerphile1997- Yes, an individual who has HPV can transmit HPV to another person during oral sex, and this can result in cancer. HPV infections can cause cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and oropharynx (the middle part of the throat, including the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils.) Persistent infections with high-risk HPVs are the primary cause of cervical cancer.

January 20, 2011 - 5:31pm

does this mean that women with hpv can transmit to men during oral sex, giving them oral cancer?

January 20, 2011 - 4:31pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to runnerphile1997)

yes

March 12, 2013 - 6:06pm
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