Our Dental Office in Jacksonville Provides Cancer Screenings for All Patients as Men with HPV is on the Rise

Over the last several years, the human papillomavirus (HPV) has been at the forefront of many discussions as it is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It is spread from person-to-person through intimate skin-to-skin contact, which can eventually lead to cancer of the mouth, throat, anus, cervix, and penis. In the past, it was commonly believed that women had a heightened risk for contracting HPV; however, recent research indicates that one in nine men are infected with the oral form. With the virus a large contributor to the development of oral cancer, it is essential to have an oral cancer screening performed by your dentist in Jacksonville.

Increased Risk for Oral Cancer

According to a new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, oral HPV infections are present in over 11% of men and 3% of women. The new research shows that men have higher rates of the infection than women because it is believed that the virus lasts longer in males, contributing to its prevalence. It is also believed that men may contract the virus more easily than women, who may build a tolerance level for it.

The new research creates a new concern as there were nearly 39,000 cases of HVP-related cancer from 2008 to 2012. Of those diagnosed, 41% were men. With cancer of the head and neck, known as oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, more likely to occur in men, 12,638 cases are diagnosed in men each year; whereas, only 3,100 are women.

The most common form of the HPV virus found was HPV-16, which was found to occur 6 times more often in men than women. Over the last 40 years, oral cancer has increased in men by 300%. As a result, it is the most common HPV-related cancer in the United States.

This new information is alarming as oral cancers are responsible for 13,500 deaths per year in the United States with the 5-year survival rate only 57%. The long-term prognosis is often negative due to the late diagnosis of the cancer. Often, it is not diagnosed until it has metastasized to other areas of the body.  Currently, there are no guidelines in place for regular oral cancer screenings, leading to late diagnosis. As a result, it is important for men and women to undergo a screen with their dentist each year.

Oral Cancer Screenings

During every new patient and periodic examination, a thorough, clinical oral cancer screening will be performed to look for signs of cancer, such as ulcerations, irregular tissue, and lumps. With regular screenings, many cancers can be detected early, allowing for prompt intervention.

If you have not had an oral cancer screening within the last year, it is best to speak to your dentist about it at your next appointment.

About Dr. Sol G. Brotman

Dr. Sol G. Brotman was one of the lead clinical researchers in a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study looking at salivary markers for HPV.  His training, clinical and teaching experience allows him to provide dental treatment for people who have all types of cancers and blood borne diseases with knowledge of how to deal with complications of your specific condition and from your treatment protocol.   If you have any questions about the oral cancer screening process, please contact his office today to schedule an appointment.