Throat Cancer: On hearing the name of Human Papilloma Virus i.e. HPV, the thought of cervical cancer comes to people’s mind. But very few people know that this virus can also cause some types of throat cancer. This virus can be the main cause of cancer, especially in the tonsils and lower part of the tongue, which is called oropharyngeal cancer. HPV is one of the most common viral infections in the world. In most cases, the body’s immune system eliminates this infection on its own, but in some people the HPV virus persists for a long time and can cause cancer years later.

In many countries, HPV has now become a major cause of oropharyngeal cancer. The surprising thing is that this cancer is happening even to such youth who do not even consume tobacco or alcohol. In India too, cases of throat cancer to HPV are increasing significantly.

Symptoms of Oropharyngeal Cancer
Dr. Akshat Malik (Senior Consultant, Head and Neck Oncology, Apollo Hospital, Delhi) said that initially its symptoms seem normal, which is why people are unable to understand the disease and ignore it. If you have a persistent sore throat, difficulty in swallowing anything, a lump in your neck, a change in your voice and a feeling that something is stuck in your throat, then it should not be taken lightly. You must consult a doctor. The good thing is that patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer respond well to treatment.

HPV vaccine is necessary
Here the role of HPV vaccine increases greatly. This vaccine provides protection against high-risk HPVs, which are responsible for most cancers. This vaccine is important for both boys and girls. You can get this vaccine between 9 to 14 years. Children of this age are given 2 doses every 6 to 12 months. People after 14 years of age or older are given 3 doses. This prevents not only cervical cancer but also many other cancers.