HPV Presence May Increase Chances of Certain Cancers

Research has found that you will increase your risk of developing tongue cancer if there is evidence of severe gum disease and the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Studies prior to this linked periodontitis and HPV to increase in the risk of cancer of the mouth. The combination of these two diseases increases the risk because gum disease destroys the connective tissue and bone that support the teeth while HPV increases the risk of developing cancer in the head, neck, and tongue. A combination of the diseases can destroy the mouth and can potentially cause cancer in those who have both gum disease and HPV.

The study used 30 patients that had cancer cells present at the base of the tongue. Sixty-three percent of those that had tumors tested positive for one of the common types of HPV. Along with that, ninety percent of those patients had gum disease. The patients in the study that did not show cancerous tumors linked to HPV did not have gum disease.

This helps doctors who deal with patients who have developed cancer like this because although HPV is not treatable, gum disease is. But with the knowledge that these two conditions are linked in causing severe effects and the possibility of cancer, doctors can be more vigilant in helping these patients deal with their gum disease and watch closely for signs of cancerous cells or tumor growths. This can also help in the area of head and neck cancers as well, if the doctors are better informed about what links between diseases they are looking for.

There are many people who contract the human papilloma virus at least once during their lifetime, but most strains of HPV can be fought off by the body’s immune system.