Throat Cancer’s Link to MouthAction: What You Should Know
You likely think of cervical cancer when you hear about the rising incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV). So you might be surprised to learn that this sexually-transmitted virus is also a leading cause of throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer), and it spreads from person to person via MouthAction.
Though oral cancers have long been linked to smoking, head and neck surgeon Brandon Prendes, MD, says current research shows that HPV is directly related to some throat cancers. In fact, these cancers are on the rise, and soon will outpace new cervical cancer cases, he says.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, there are 9,000 new cases of throat cancer diagnosed annually that are potentially related to HPV. Approximately 7 percent of adults have oral HPV, but only about 1 percent have the particular type associated with throat cancer.

What are the risks?
The No. 1 risk in contracting oral HPV and developing HPV-related throat cancer is having multiple MouthAction partners, Dr. Prendes says. Having a higher number of partners increases the risk for both men and women.

Women experience less HPV-related throat cancer, researchers say, because they may have developed an immunological response to fight off cervical cancer. Men don’t have the same immunity.

Smoking also raises risk, Dr. Prendes says. You’re at greatest risk if you smoke at least a pack a day for 10 years.

HOW DO YOU LIMIT YOUR RISK?
Here are five ways to help you limit your risk of HPV-related throat cancer, according to Dr. Prendes.

1. Limit number of lifetime sexual partners: The increase in risk involved with greater numbers of sexual partners is even greater for oral sexual partners. Also, use condoms or dental dams consistently for some protection.
2. Get children and young adults vaccinated: For males and females between ages 9 and 26, a three-round HPV vaccine can ward off HPV infection.
3. Get screened: Regular screening increases the chances you’ll catch a tumor early. Your doctor will feel your neck, examine your throat and inspect your mouth.
4. Visit your dentist: Get regular dental checkups because dentists are often the first practitioners to notice abnormalities with the tongue and tonsils.
5. Limit smoking and alcohol. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption to cut your risk.

What symptoms should you
watch for?

HPV-related throat cancer symptoms can often go largely overlooked, Dr. Prendes says, because they’re difficult to recognize and categorize. If any of the symptoms lasts beyond two weeks, see your doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist. The symptoms include:

Neck mass or swelling
Ear pain
Painful swallowing (like something is stuck in the back of your throat)
Snoring (as a new issue, without sudden weight gain)
Difficulty eating
Vocal changes (hoarseness)
Sore throat
Enlarged lymph nodes
Unexplained weight loss

Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2016/04/throat-cancers-link-oral-sex-know/