It has been proven that HPV infection increases risk for various cancers, including oral cancer. Thanks to a new study we now know that 7% of American adults and teenagers have the HPV virus in their mouths.

This study may help us understand why the rates of one type of head and neck cancer, oropharyngea cancer, increased over 200% between 1988 and 2004. The study also showed that HPV is not transmitted through casual contact or kissing. The research was published online by the Journal of the American Medical Association.

HPV has been known as the cause of cervical cancer but can cause other types of cancer as well. The infection is extremely common – and it usually produces no symptoms and clears up on its own. Screening for oral cancers is more important today than ever before for adults of all ages.

In years past the typical oral cancer patient was an older man who smoked heavily and drank alcohol. Today the fastest rise in cases is appearing in young adults. Don’t forget to include an oral cancer screening in your next visit and talk to us about DNA testing to assess your risk for head and neck cancers.

For more information about oral cancer screening and to schedule your appointment please contact the office of Dr. Bernard Greenbaum in Bethesda, MD at 301-530-3600.