HPV and Oral Cancer
You may wonder why we are doing a newsletter article on Human Papilloma Virus since we are a dental office. It has recently been determined that some types of HPV can cause oral cancer. In fact, the same viruses that cause cervical cancer in women have been shown to cause oral cancer in the mouth. If oral cancer is detected early, it has a 80-90% survival rate. Unfortunately, this disease is usually detected at a late stage due to a lack of public awareness and a historical lack of simple screening tests.
We are very pleased to let you know that there has recently been a salivary test developed that will screen for HPV in the mouth. It is a simple test that can be performed at your next dental cleaning. The results of this test will tell you if you have been infected with HPV and will determine if you are at low or high risk for developing oral cancer.
HPV FACTS:
Common or Plantar warts: (most common type)
There are many different infections that are caused by HPV. Approximately 20 million people in the United States have been infected with some type of HPV. The most common types are “common” or “plantar” warts that occur on the hands and feet. These are not harmful and are generally just a nuisance because of their appearance. These can be removed by your medical doctor with few side effects.
Cervical Cancer:
HPV is also linked to cervical cancer, and can be detected in women by a routine gynecological examination (PAP smear.) It is important to have this exam done annually because HPV does not always exhibit obvious signs or symptoms. There are low-risk HPV infections (types 6 and 11) that do not lead to cancer and will usually resolve without treatment. However, there are also high-risk infections (type 16 and 18) that may lead to cancer. Your medical doctor can help you with early detection and treatment of these types of infections.
Oral Cancer:
In the oral and upper respiratory environment, some types of HPV infections (same types as in cervical cancer) can cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, throat and tonsils. Approximately 37,000 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2011. This is the fifth year in a row in which there has been an increase in the rate of occurrence of oral cancers.
Unfortunately, oral cancer rates are increasing in young women between the ages of 20 and 40. While the exact cause of this increase is unknown, it could be linked to the spread of HPV among sexually active young adults.
In the past, we did not have a reliable test to help with early detection and prevention of oral cancer. Now there is a simple saliva test to determine if you are at risk for developing this disease. In addition we have the latest technology in early detection of oral cancer, The VELscope. Please feel free to call our office with any questions or ask any of our hygienists or doctors at your next visit.
Remember, Oral Health=Overall Health!
How it works, how much it costs, and more.
Complimentary panoramic x-ray with first evaluation (Value of $145).