45% of ENT cancers are linked to papillomavirus (HPV). Non-specific symptoms become worrying when they last over time.
With tobacco and alcohol, infection to papillomavirus (Human papillomavirus or HPV, a particularly virus contagious and transmissible during sexual intercourse) constitutes the 3rd risk factor for ENT cancers. These cancers are mainly in the tonsils or at the base of the tongue (throat), and occur mainly in young patients, around the age of 50 years or even before, who do not drink or smoke. Head and neck cancers caused by HPV cause symptoms, not very specific, often neglected, which tends to delay diagnosis and treatment. Yet, their persistence beyond 3 weeks should worry.
1. A persistent sore throat
“THE papillomavirus mainly affecting the region of the oropharynx (tonsil, soft palate, back of the tongue and back of the throat), symptoms suggestive of ENT cancer are pain in the throat“, immediately indicates Professor Sébastien Vergez, head of the surgery department at IUCT-Oncopole. This pain may not be very significant (which could wrongly reassure the patient) and may resemble, for example, angina that lingers. “Be careful, there is full of non-cancerous causes which can cause throat pain. The idea is not to alarm everyone who has a sore throat. On the other hand, if the pain persists for several weeks, this justifies consulting a doctor and checking that there is no associated cancer.“, continues the expert.
2. Ear pain
“Inflammation in the throat, particularly in the tonsils region, can radiate to the ear. Of course, ear pain is not necessarily a sign of ENT cancer and can have a multitude of causes such as inflammatory problems or infections, but it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor“, insists Professor Vergez. Depending on the clinical context, we can already have clues about the origin of the cancer“
3. A lump in the neck
“Cancers caused by HPV often give lymph nodes in the neckone or more lumps that can be felt when touched or that those around you may notice“, describes the expert. These lymph nodes in the neck persist longer than during usual ENT infections such as nasopharyngitis (colds) or tonsillitis.
“On the other hand, oropharyngeal cancers caused by papillomavirus do not give white or red spots and mouth ulcers or hoarseness. They won’t touch the nostrils either. In all cases, you must listen to your symptoms and be wary regardless of your profile. ENT cancers do not only affect smokers and alcoholics! In other words, just because you don’t smoke or drink doesn’t mean you’re not at risk of ENT cancer. Vaccination against HPV viruses is also recommended in France for all girls and boys aged 11 to 14 (catch-up until the age of 19) and men who have sexual relations with men until the age of 26 years“, would like to insist our interlocutor. We remind you: if the patient presents A symptoms cited for more than THREE weeks, he must seek medical advice without delay.
Thanks to Professor Sébastien Vergez, Head of the Surgery Department at IUCT-Oncopole.