Understanding The Causes And Risk Factors Linked To Mouth Cancer

Certain Strains Of Human Papillomavirus

Individuals affected by certain strains of human papillomavirus are at an increased risk of developing mouth cancer. Human papillomavirus is an umbrella term used to classify a group of over 150 variations of viruses. This group of viruses is further subcategorized with use of a number coding system. Cancers of the cervix, vagina, mouth, vulva, anus, and throat can be caused by infection of the human papillomavirus. The HPV16 variation of the virus is the one strongly linked to the development of cancers in the oropharynx and throat. DNA segments of the human papillomavirus have been identified in two of the three cancers of the oropharynx, and a smaller amount of cancers in the oral cavity. It is thought the recent increase of cancers of the mouth and throat related to human papillomavirus infections are the result of changes in sexual practices that involve the oral cavity. While only a small percentage of individuals infected by human papillomavirus in the mouth will go on to develop oral or throat cancer, the probability of its occurrence is increased in these individuals.