Sealed with a Kiss - Dr. Dick

Sealed with a Kiss


Dear friends,

I promised I'd give you an update on Oral HPV (human papilloma virus)--the term used to describe HPV that has infected the mouth and throat. Yes, even this sensual pleasure-zone can get bitten. Here's some more info:

In the US, evidence suggests that oral HPV might be the cause of a growing number of oral cancer cases, especially in guys. In fact, oral HPV is 3 x more common in male-bodied folks.  

Oral HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact during oral sex and rimming, (mouth-on-genitals or mouth-on-anus). Evidence also suggests that deep "French" kissing can spread oral HPV---but more research is needed to understand how likely this is.

About 7% of people in the US have oral HPV, though most people who get infected clear it from the body before they ever have symptoms or health issues. Low-risk strains of oral HPV can cause warts on the lips, and in the mouth and throat. These warts are rare and tend to appear more often in people who have weakened immune systems, due to HIV infection.

SYMPTOMS OF ORAL WARTS:

  • One or more raised warts on the lips or in the mouth.
  • Warts can be smooth and flat, spiked, or pebbly like cauliflower.
  • Warts usually do not hurt, unless they've been injured in some way. 
TREATMENT:
  • Warts can be removed by a medical provider through cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen), and surgical or laser removal.
  • Warts on the lips can often be treated with a medication that is applied directly on the affected areas.

Do not try to treat oral warts yourself with over-the-counter medications!

High risk strains of HPV can cause cancers of the oropharynx (called oropharyngeal cancer)---which is the back of the throat including the base of the tongue and the tonsils. About 1% of people who have oral HPV have a high-risk strain that can lead to oral cancers. Every year in the US, about 5,600 men get oropharyngeal cancer---however, many of these cases are related to tobacco and alcohol use, especially chewing tobacco and snuff.

Currently there is no routine test to check for HPV infection in the mouth and throat. If you are concerned about any of the following symptoms, visit a dentist or healthcare provider.

Symptoms of Oropharyngeal cancer can include:

  • Sore throat or ear pain that doesn't go away.
  • Pain or trouble swallowing or breathing.
  • Non-stop coughing.
  • Hoarse voice or voice changes that last more than 2 weeks.
  • Weight loss.
  • Lump or mass in the neck.
TREATMENT:
  • Cancers of the oropharynx can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

 PREVENTION:

  • A protective barrier might just be your best protection. Use an oral sex condom for oral sex on a penis, and use a dam for oral sex on a vagina or anus. Even though these barriers don't cover up the whole area, they offer more protection than going bare. Add some flavored lube to spice things up. Project NEON distributes oral health kits with these supplies; stop by Seattle Counseling Service to pick one up.
  • Under 26? Get vaccinated for HPV. The HPV vaccine is approved for males and females aged 9 to 26 and protects against the four strains of HPV that cause the majority of genital warts and certain cancers. It IS possible that the vaccine can help prevent cases of Oral HPV, but more medical research is needed to know for sure.
  • Be kind to your mouth. STIs and HIV can spread more easily when you don't take care of your mouth. Click for my Mouthing Off? Info card.
  • If you have a concern, get it checked out by a dentist or healthcare provider.
  • Get regular health check-ups. Uninsured? Sign up for health insurance with the Affordable Care Act. Washington Health Plan Finder

Thank you for the great question! Be well,

-Dr. Dick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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