Having heard some reports recently and reading some info on these forums, I was hoping to ask Dr Vinod what his thoughts are on the connection between HPV and Oral cancer (namely it being transmitted from the female via oral sex)

My husband was diagnosed with oral cancer recently and as a young non smoker/non drinker I am beginning wonder if this was the cause (eg: I gave it to him)

I don't even know if I carry HPV - what are the symptoms etc - can I be tested?

Will his maxillofacial surgeon know about HPV in females and the possible link if we talk to him about it (I don't want to bring up such an embarrassing subject to be told 'I don't know, I deal with the head/neck etc')

Hello Spouse

Sorry to hear about your husband's mouth cancer. We don't really understand why the young non-smoker gets a mouth cancer. A viral infection like HPV is suspected in some of them. Please read my reply at "Kissing and HPV". The risk of HPV causing mouth or cervical cancer is really very small, thank goodness!

Ask your GP about a test for HPV - it would be good to know. Several research groups are developing vaccines against HPV, intended to reduce the deaths worldwide each year due to cervical cancer. It is thought these vaccines would prevent oral infections as well as genital infections. Many scientists also think that giving antiviral drugs to people with oral cancers caused by the virus could improve their chances of recovery.

Tell us a bit more about your husband's mouth cancer and how things turn out. We will help where we can.

Best wishes
Vinod

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Thanks!!

I don't want to say too much as I think my husband also reads these boards, and I don't want him to identify himself!!