Can HPV infection cause head and neck cancer?

The oropharynx includes the tonsils and the back of the tongue and throat. An HPV infection alone is not a cancer diagnosis, and many infections clear without causing cancer.

When a high-risk HPV infection persists in cells of the oropharynx, it can disrupt the controls that normally regulate cell growth. Abnormal cells may then accumulate changes over time and develop into cancer. HPV does not explain every head and neck cancer; tobacco, alcohol, and other factors can also contribute, depending on where a tumour begins.

A clinician may test tumour tissue for HPV-related markers after cancer is suspected or diagnosed. This helps classify the tumour and plan care; a general positive HPV test cannot by itself show that head and neck cancer is present.

Arrange a medical or dental assessment for a neck lump, a persistent sore throat, ongoing hoarseness, pain or difficulty when swallowing, one-sided ear pain without an obvious ear problem, or a mouth or throat sore that does not heal. The clinician may examine the mouth, throat, ears, and neck and arrange specialist assessment if needed.

If you have been told you have HPV, avoid assuming that cancer will follow. Ask whether vaccination is appropriate for you, avoid tobacco, and attend any examination recommended for a symptom rather than relying on an HPV result to explain it.

Book a prompt appointment if a new neck lump or throat, voice, swallowing, mouth, or ear symptom persists, worsens, or has no clear explanation. Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow liquids, rapidly increasing neck swelling, or bleeding that is heavy or will not stop.

You might ask which part of the head or neck needs examination, whether an ear, nose, and throat specialist should assess you, and whether imaging or a tissue sample is appropriate. If a tumour has been found, ask whether it will be checked for HPV-related markers and how that result affects the treatment discussion.