Understanding the Rise of HPV-Related Throat Cancer in Men

In recent years, human papillomavirus (HPV) has emerged as a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers, or cancers found in the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils. While HPV has long been associated with cervical cancer in women, new research and clinical observations show that HPV-related throat cancer is increasingly impacting men, particularly middle-aged men, at alarmingly high rates.

This rise has not only shifted the landscape of HPV-related diseases but also emphasized the critical need for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and public awareness, especially among male patients who may not realize they are at risk.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes, risk factors, symptoms, prevention strategies, and diagnosis of HPV-related throat cancer, and how services like fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies with experts like Dr. Celina Nadelman play a pivotal role in catching these cancers early.

What is HPV?

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a group of more than 150 related viruses. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most HPV infections are harmless and go away on their own, but some high-risk strains can lead to cancer.

While HPV is best known for causing cervical cancer in women, it’s also responsible for cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and increasingly, the oropharynx, or the middle part of the throat, which includes the tonsils and base of the tongue.

Recent studies from institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center and Penn Medicine confirm that HPV-related throat cancers have been steadily increasing, especially among men. The reasons include:

• Lack of Routine Screening: Unlike women, who have access to routine cervical cancer screening, men have no similar screening for HPV-related cancers.
• Immune Response Differences: Research suggests that women may clear HPV infections more effectively than men.
• Behavioral Factors: Exposure to HPV through oral sex and the number of lifetime sexual partners can increase risk, with men statistically more likely to engage in higher-risk sexual behavior.
• Delayed Awareness: Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer often don’t appear until the disease has progressed, leading to later-stage diagnoses in men.

Statistics to Know

• According to the CDC, oropharyngeal cancer is now the most common HPV-related cancer in the U.S.
• Roughly 80% of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer cases occur in men.
• From 2001 to 2017, the incidence of HPV-related throat cancer in men more than doubled, while remaining relatively stable in women.

Why Early Detection Matters

Like most cancers, early detection significantly improves the prognosis for patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. When caught early, these cancers are highly treatable, and many patients respond well to a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

However, because these cancers often develop without noticeable symptoms, proactive medical evaluation is key, especially for men over 40 with known risk factors.

Prevention and HPV Vaccination

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent HPV-related cancers, including those of the throat. The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for:

• Children starting at age 11 or 12
• Young adults up to age 26 if they missed earlier vaccination
• Adults aged 27–45, based on discussion with a healthcare provider

The vaccine protects against the most dangerous HPV strains, including HPV-16, which is responsible for the majority of HPV-related throat cancers.

• Get vaccinated if eligible.
• Limit the number of sexual partners and use protection.
• Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use, which can compound cancer risk.
• Schedule a prompt evaluation if you notice symptoms like a persistent sore throat or lump in the neck.

Dr. Celina Nadelman’s Expertise in Head and Neck Diagnostics

Dr. Celina Nadelman, a board-certified cytopathologist and interventional pathologist in Los Angeles, plays a vital role in early diagnosis and risk assessment for HPV-related head and neck cancers. Her practice offers:

• Ultrasound-guided FNA biopsies
• Same-day or next-day appointments
• Preliminary results within 24 hours
• Compassionate care in a calming, private setting

Unlike large hospital systems where wait times may stretch for months, Dr. Nadelman provides timely access to fine needle aspiration biopsies, giving patients the clarity they need fast.

She specializes in diagnosing thyroid nodules, salivary gland tumors, breast lumps, and head and neck lymph nodes, using FNA to identify cancerous and benign conditions with exceptional accuracy.

Patients who may have been told to “wait and see” can find comfort and confidence in Dr. Nadelman’s proactive, patient-focused approach. Her ability to evaluate both the sample and the patient ensures a higher level of diagnostic precision, which is something many large systems can’t provide.

HPV-related throat cancer in men is a growing concern. While awareness is improving, many men still don’t recognize their risk or the importance of early evaluation. With no standard screening available, symptoms should not be ignored.

If you or someone you love has a persistent lump, sore throat, or hoarseness, seek an evaluation immediately. An FNA biopsy with a qualified expert like Dr. Nadelman can provide the answers you need quickly and accurately.

For compassionate, expert-led biopsy care in the Los Angeles area, schedule an appointment with Dr. Celina Nadelman today.