Today is World Head and Neck Cancer Day. Overcome HPV and throat cancer stigma.

With the global focus on the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, it is time to focus public attention on US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to expand use of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. We believe. Women and men aged 27-45. The first HPV vaccine was approved in 2006 and will be given to children aged 9 to 12 years. On World Head and Neck Cancer Day (27 July), we commend the FDA’s recent extended approval for lifesaving implications for anyone at high risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer. The back of the tongue and the tonsils.

While the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine is widely recognized in the medical community, the embarrassment and prejudice associated with HPV-induced head and neck cancers are the most common sexually transmitted diseases. We must do this not only for today’s suffering, but for the next generation.

“HPV” includes more than 200 families of viruses. It is sent via direct contact. Most of us are exposed to these viruses when we become sexually active. Viruses are usually cleared through the immune system without being aware of their presence. In a minority of us, the virus bypasses our detection system and stays in our cells for many years. It can then cause warts, benign tumors, or, rarely, cancer.

HPV-related head and neck cancers have tripled in the last few decades, while other types of head and neck cancers have declined. Cancer of the oropharynx was affecting older men (long-time heavy smokers or drinkers). Many patients with pharyngeal cancer associated with HPV today are men in their 40s and 50s. According to the National Cancer Institute, HPV currently causes more than 70% of oropharyngeal cancers. The incidence of HPV-related head and neck cancers exceeds the incidence of cervical cancer this year.

There are no early warning signs specific to HPV-related pharyngeal cancer. Symptoms can mimic a typical upper respiratory infection that isn’t getting better. At times, the patient may have earache, hoarseness, and/or burning pain associated with swallowing. There may also be a painless lump in the neck or a tonsils ulcer. If any of these symptoms last more than 3 weeks, it’s time to ask for help.

If your doctor finds a lump or ulcer in your throat, you should refer to a specialist such as an ENT doctor or head and neck surgeon. If you do not have these symptoms, but you or someone you are familiar with has a history of sexually transmitted infections, ask your doctor to carefully check your throat and neck area. Dentists can also detect suspicious appearance lumps and ulcers in the mouth. The treatment of these cancers has improved significantly in recent years and may include minimally invasive robotic or laser surgery given by mouth, targeted radiation therapy to save healthy tissue, and chemotherapy.

Prevention is the best treatment for HPV-related head and neck cancer. There are effective HPV vaccines that prevent HPV infections that cause cancer. In general, vaccines must be given before a person becomes sexually intimate. We’ve been through this growing epidemic of silence for years, and stigma shows no signs of easing. If you have HPV-related cancer, or you suspect you have HPV, you’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor or anyone else important to you. More importantly, get your children vaccinated.

Tom Thomas, MD, MPH Medical Director of Leonard B. Khan Head and Neck Gun Institute, Morristown Medical Center of Atlantic Health Systems and Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery and Oral Robotic Surgery. He is one of the leaders of Atlantic HPV Center..