By Dr. Hitesh R. Singhavi, Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon
When most people hear “HPV,” they think of cervical cancer. But what many don’t know is that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can also cause certain cancers of the throat, specifically in the oropharynx — the area behind the mouth that includes the tonsils, the base of the tongue, and the soft palate.
In recent years, there has been a sharp rise in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers, especially in Western countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. But here’s an important fact that often gets misunderstood: HPV is not a major cause of oral cancers, which occur in the front of the mouth — like the gums, tongue, or inner cheek.
Let’s understand this better.
What is HPV?
HPV is a common virus, usually transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. There are over 200 types of HPV, but only a few are considered high-risk, meaning they can lead to cancer. The most common cancer-causing types are HPV-16 and HPV-18.
Where Does HPV Cause Cancer?
HPV is known to cause cancers in several parts of the body:
- Cervix (in women)
- Anus
- Penis
- Oropharynx (the back of the throat, especially tonsils and base of tongue)
But it does not typically cause cancer in the front of the mouth — a key distinction most people are unaware of.
Oral Cancer vs Oropharyngeal Cancer: What’s the Difference?
Think of your mouth as two different zones:
- Oral cavity – includes lips, gums, inner cheeks, front part of the tongue, and floor of the mouth.
- Oropharynx – includes the tonsils, base of the tongue (back portion), and throat walls.
Oral cancers are mainly caused by:
- Tobacco use (smoking and chewing)
- Alcohol
- Areca nut or gutka
Oropharyngeal cancers (OPC), on the other hand, have seen a rise in cases caused by HPV, particularly in younger individuals who do not smoke or chew tobacco.
Why is This Important?
In India and other developing nations, we still see more oral cancers due to tobacco and gutka, while HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancers are relatively less common — but they are increasing slowly.
Unfortunately, many people — even in the medical field — confuse oral cancer with oropharyngeal cancer and wrongly attribute all mouth-related cancers to HPV. This leads to misunderstanding and misinformation.
Key Facts You Should Know:
- HPV can cause throat cancers, especially in the tonsils and base of tongue.
- HPV is not a major cause of oral cancers (front part of the mouth).
- HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers respond better to treatment and have better survival outcomes than HPV-negative cancers.
- Safe sexual practices and HPV vaccination (especially for boys and girls before sexual activity begins) can help prevent these cancers.
What Can You Do?
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol – they remain the leading causes of oral cancers.
- Be aware of the early signs of cancer – non-healing ulcers, persistent throat pain, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the neck.
- Encourage HPV vaccination – it’s now a proven way to prevent several types of cancer, including oropharyngeal cancer.
Final Word from Dr. Singhavi
As a head and neck cancer surgeon, I see firsthand the devastating impact of these cancers. Awareness is our first line of defense.
It’s important to separate fact from myth — HPV is a real cause of throat cancer, not front-of-mouth cancer. Let’s understand the difference, spread awareness, and take action to protect our loved ones.
If you notice any suspicious symptoms or have concerns, don’t delay — consult your doctor.