April is oral cancer awareness month. One of the most interesting developments in oral cancer this past year is that, for the first time, the rate of new human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated cancers has outpaced the rate of new cases caused by tobacco and alcohol. While the Center for Disease Control’s recent recommendation that boys, as well as girls, receive HPV vaccinations is encouraging, there is not yet proof that the vaccine works on oral HPV.
HPV-associated oral cancers usually occur in the oropharynx, which is the medical term for the region encompassing the back of the mouth, top of the throat, and tonsils. Oropharyngeal cancers are harder to detect than front-of-mouth cancers, although they are easier to treat once caught. Of the nearly two hundred strains of HPV, only nine are known to cause cancer, and only one is known to cause oral cancer. However, there is no way of testing for oral HPV infections, and 80% of American adults will have one at some point in their lives.
Patients should be aware that swelling, pain, and numbness in their throats, jaws, and ears are reasons to get screened for cancer. While public education has helped combat tobacco-associated cancer, many people are unaware of the risk posed by HPV. It is important for the public to stop thinking of oral cancer as something that only affects elderly smokers.
Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.
No comments:
Post a Comment