About this topic
HPV is short for human papillomavirus. There are many kinds of HPV and it is often not harmful. HPV is a common infection that is shared from person to person through sex. The same kinds of HPV that infect your genitals can also infect your mouth. ‚
Many kinds of HPV found in your mouth and throat are not harmful. Others can cause warts or even cancer in the mouth or throat. ‚
General
HPV can cause normal cells in the infected area to turn abnormal. You may not be able to see or feel the changes. The changes may take a long time to develop after your mouth and throat are infected with HPV. You are more likely to get oral cancer if you have HPV and also use tobacco or drink alcohol. ‚
What will the results be?
Oral cancer can be very serious and needs treatment. Your results will depend on where the cancer is located, if it has spread, and how your condition is treated. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Do not drink beer, wine, or mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Do not smoke.
- Ask your doctor if you need help to quit smoking or drinking alcohol.
What drugs may be needed?
There are no drugs to treat an HPV infection. The HPV vaccine can help prevent some kinds of the HPV infection. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Do not have multiple sex partners.
- Do not have unprotected sex. This includes all kinds of sex: oral, vaginal, and anal.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of HPV.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- A sore throat that does not go away
- Problems swallowing
- Pain with chewing
- Numbness in the mouth or lips
- An earache that does not go away
- Hoarseness
- White patches or sores in your mouth that do not go away
- Lump in the back of the throat, mouth, or neck
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/hpv-and-oral-cancer ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPVandOralCancer.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚