HPV linked to Oral Cancer – Macomb, Michigan
HPV or Human Papillomavirus has been a common theme around the dental circle and this is as a result of it’s relation to oral cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer, or cancer of the back of the tongue and tonsils, was once usually related to smoking and alcohol consumption, however, in recent years this kind of cancer has been linked with HPV. So what exactly is HPV and just how is it prevented?
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can present itself in over 100 variations. It’s estimated that around three fourths of people that are sexually active will have had HPV in their lifetime. Sometimes, there aren’t any the signs of HPV and after about two years, the body can naturally get rid of the virus. Nevertheless, there are types of HPV that may cause cancer or warts and these forms of HPV are considered “high risk”. These high risk strains are proven to cause cervical cancer in females and oral cancer in both women and men.
Prevention of HPV
Since HPV is sexually transmitted, prevention is best attained by abstaining from sexual activity, which includes oral sex, or practicing safe sex. There’s also a vaccination available which has been approved by the FDA for women aged 9 to 26 years old called Gardasil. Always be certain to consider the dangers involved and take care to help lower your risk of acquiring HPV and possibly oral cancer.
Oral Cancer and HPS Advanced Dental Care
Oral cancer is something which we look for in each patient here at HPS Advanced Dental Care. An oral cancer screening consisting of visual examining and palpitations to the head, neck and oral cavity is completed at each checkup. As part of your routine dental exam, we make sure to look for any abnormal sores, white or red patches, lumps or thickening of the skin on the inside of the mouth, earaches, bleeding, soreness of the jaw or throat, difficulties with swallowing or speech, and proper fitting of dentures. Commonly, oral cancer presents on the tongue, bottom of the mouth, and soft palate tissues on the lips and gums and back of the tongue. If you are experiencing any prolonged soreness, swelling in your mouth or neck, white or red patches on your mouth or lips, bleeding in your throat or mouth, problems swallowing or constant hoarseness, visit your dentist right away. If caught during the early stages, oral cancer has a high survival rate, so be sure to see your dentist on a regular basis.
HPV linked to Oral Cancer – Macomb, Michigan
If you have any further questions regarding HPV and oral cancer in Macomb, Michigan, please visit our website midentalwellness.com or call our office at (248) 652-0024.
