Can HPV Be Transmitted Through Oral Sex?
HPV Infection of the Mouth and Throat

HPV Infection in the Mouth and Throat

HPV can be present silently in the oral mucosa. Most infections cause no symptoms. However, in some patients, wart-like lesions inside the mouth or cellular changes in the throat area may be seen.

It is thought that about 25% of mouth cancers and 35% of throat cancers may be associated with HPV. High-risk HPV types in particular (such as Type 16) are associated with oropharyngeal cancers.

What Should Be Done If HPV Is Detected in the Mouth?

In patients in whom a wart or suspected HPV is detected in the mouth, the approach should be similar to that for genital HPV infection:

• The HPV type should be determined.
• If a high-risk type is detected, close follow-up should be applied.
• If necessary, the HPV vaccination protocol should be completed in full.
• Regular monitoring should be ensured with regard to head and neck cancers.

The Risk of Head and Neck Cancer

The early diagnosis of HPV-related head and neck cancers is of great importance. In particular, if there is a long-lasting sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or a lesion in the mouth that does not heal, an assessment should be carried out.

These patients need to be followed up by an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist experienced in head and neck surgery.

The vast majority of HPV infections are cleared by the immune system. However, in high-risk types, regular follow-up and early intervention are vitally important.