Other HPV-Related Cancers

Cervical cancer isn’t the only cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Each year, there are about 21,400 cases of HPV-related cancer among women, with cervical cancer being the most common. There are also about 15,100 cases among men, with oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) as the most common.

Anal dysplasia and anal cancer

Anal cancer is a cancer that forms in tissues of the anus. There are an estimated 6,900 cases of anal cancer each year in the United States. Gay and bisexual men (who have sex with other men) are about 17 times more likely to develop anal cancer than the the general population. However, anal dysplasia has also been reported in some people who have a history of severe cervical dysplasia.

One type of HPV, HPV-16, has been associated as a risk factor for anal cancer. The HPV vaccine can help protect against infection with both HPV subtypes 16 and 18 (as well seven other HPV types.

Risk factors for anal cancer

  • Infection with HPV-16: In a 2004 study of 6,000 anal cancer patients, the majority of whom were women, 73% had tested positive for HPV-16.
  • Having condomless sex, either anal or vaginal
  • Having multiple sexual partners and engaging in receptive anal intercourse 
  • Current smoking
  • History of fissures, fistulas, hemorrhoids
  • Other HPV-related cancers (cervix and/or vulva)
  • Immunosuppression (e.g. HIV infection, anti-rejection drugs associated with organ transplants)

Symptoms

  • Sometimes there are no signs or symptoms.
  • Anal bleeding, pain, itching, or discharge.
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the anal or groin area.
  • Changes in bowel habits or the shape of your stool.

Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers arise in the head or neck region (in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, or larynx). There are an estimated 14,800 cases of HPV-related head and neck cancer each year.

HPV is thought to cause 60% to 70% of cases of oral cancers, putting it ahead of tobacco use as the leading cause of such cancers. Findings indicate that HPV is not likely to spread through kissing or casual contact and that most cases of oral HPV can be traced to oral sex.

Symptoms

  • Sore throat or ear pain that doesn’t go away
  • Constant coughing
  • Pain or trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Weight loss
  • Hoarseness or voice changes that last more than 2 weeks
  • Lump or mass in the neck

HPV and Head & Neck Cancers. Get the Facts! Get the Vax!
A Two-Part Video Series

The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes most cases of cervical cancer but did you know it can also lead to cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and even some head and neck cancers that can affect the throat, soft palate, tongue, and tonsils. The great thing is HPV cancers are preventable! Play along with our contestants, test your knowledge about this common virus, and get the scoop on how astonishingly effective HPV vaccines are in #stoppingHPVcancers.

Part 1

Part 2

Sex+ Health Podcast: Two Part Series on Head and Neck Cancer

Part 1: Head and neck cancers are increasing in number. In this episode we’re talking with Mr. Bob Cupps, who very recently underwent treatment for oropharyngeal cancer talks with us about his experiences, what the patient journey is like, and why HPV vaccines are crucial in preventing these diseases.

Part 2: Dr. Michael Moore, a professor and physician with the Indiana University School of Medicine and president of the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, discusses the connection between HPV and certain head and neck tumors; symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment; prevention strategies including vaccination against HPV; and how to talk with your health care provider

Penile Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN) and Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the penis. Most penile cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in flat cells lining the penis). The CDC estimates that each year in the U.S. there are about 900 men cases of HPV-related cancer of the penis.

While most males do not ever experience symptoms or health risks if they get one or more “high-risk” types of HPV, there are some cases of cell changes (neoplasia) on the penis, which are caused by “high-risk” types of HPV.

Symptoms

  • First signs: changes in color, skin thickening, or a build-up of tissue on the penis.
  • Later signs: a growth or sore on the penis. It is usually painless, but in some cases, the sore may be painful and bleed.

Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN) and Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is a cancer that forms in the tissues of the vagina. The vagina leads from the cervix (the opening of the uterus) to the outside of the body. The most common type of vaginal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. Another type of vaginal cancer is adenocarcinoma, cancer that begins in glandular cells in the lining of the vagina.

The CDC estimates that around 700 new cases of HPV-associated vaginal cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.

The American Cancer Society reports that risk factors include:

  • Age (vaginal cancer occurs mainly in older women with 15% of cases found in women younger than 40. About half occur in women 70 or older)
  • DES – a hormonal drug given to some women to prevent miscarriage between 1940 and 1971.
  • Up to 90% of vaginal cancers and pre-cancers (vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia — VAIN) contain the human papilloma virus (HPV)
  • Having had cervical cancer
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • HIV
  • Vaginal irritation

Symptoms

  • abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • pelvic pain
  • a lump, bump, or lesion in the vagina
  • pain during sexual intercourse

Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN) and Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a cancer that occurs on the outer surface area of the female genitalia. The vulva is the area of skin that surrounds the urethra and vagina, including the clitoris and labia. There are an estimated 2,900 cases of vulvar cancer in the United States each year. Though it can occur at any age, vulvar cancer is most commonly diagnosed in older women.

The Mayo Clinic reports the following risk factors associated with vulvar cancer:

  • Increasing age. The risk of vulvar cancer increases with age, though it can occur at any age. The average age at diagnosis is 65.
  • Being exposed to HPV
  • Smoking
  • Being infected with HIV
  • Having a history of precancerous conditions of the vulva
  • Having a skin condition involving the vulva

Symptoms

  • Itching that doesn’t go away
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Bleeding that isn’t from menstruation
  • Skin changes, such as color changes or thickening
  • A lump, wart-like bumps or an ope