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It's a misnomer to call HPV the "cervical cancer" virus. It has been known for years that human papillomaviruses are associated not only with genital warts and cervical cancer, but also with various other cancers including anal cancer, penile cancer, and cancer of the vulva. Recently, however, scientists have found a strong association with other types of cancer, too – cancers of the mouth and throat.

HPV Infection as a Risk Factor

Although most mouth and throat cancers are associated with tobacco use and/or alcohol, studies have begun to show that HPV may be another major source of risk. HPV seems to be particularly strongly associated with cancer of the tonsils, although it is also found in biopsy samples at other sites nearby. Unlike with cervical cancer, there are many other risk factors for cancers of the mouth and throat. In areas where those other risks, such as alcohol and tobacco use, are less common, HPV is probably responsible for more cancers than in areas where they are widespread.

The Role of Oral Sex

How does a sexually transmitted virus end up associated with cancers located so far away from the genitals? The answer is probably oral sex. Several studies have shown a relationship between oral sex and the presence of HPV DNA in mouth and throat samples. Other studies have shown a relationship between oral sex and HPV positive throat cancers, particularly in those individuals who perform oral sex on men. Taken as a group, these studies are yet another chilling reminder that oral sex is not safer sex. Various other sexually transmitted diseases can be spread by oral sex including herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Safer sex techniques should therefore be used for oral sex as well as vaginal and anal sex. This is particularly true for individuals with genital herpes or HIV infections, since both viruses have been shown to predispose people to acquiring HPV.

The Problem with Testing

Scientists have questioned the role of different tests for HPV in predicting cancers at various sites. HPV is not an easy virus to meaningfully test for. Just finding HPV DNA in samples from a mouth swab does not necessarily mean that individuals will develop cancer. Conversely, many individuals with an HPV positive throat cancer biopsy test negative not only for HPV DNA in the cells of their mouths, but also for anti-HPV antibodies in their blood. In general, it is therefore extremely difficult to articulate the meaning of a positive, or negative, HPV test.

The Take Home Messages

* HPV, and in particular HPV 16, seems to play a role in the development of a significant number of cancers of the mouth and throat. * Oral sex increases your risk of acquiring an HPV infection in your mouth or throat. * Since the vast majority of HPV associated throat cancers seem to be caused by HPV 16, it is possible that the HPV vaccine might be useful for prevention. * Although study results are mixed, it seems possible that smoking and alcohol use may interact with HPV infection to increase a person's risk of cancer.

http://std.about.com/od/hpv/a/hpvoralcancer.htm