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Cancer Care

Diagnosis & Treatment

HPV-Related Throat Cancer

How is HPV-related throat cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis

There is currently no routine screening test for HPV-related throat cancer. However, doctors can diagnose oropharyngeal cancer through a series of tests and then determine whether the cancer is caused by HPV.

Testing for throat cancer typically involves:

  • Physical exam. Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history.
  • Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI, or PET scans help determine the tumor’s size, location, and whether the cancer has spread.
  • Endoscopy (laryngoscopy): A thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the throat. When used to view the voice box, this procedure is called a laryngoscopy.
  • Biopsy and HPV testing: A tissue sample is removed to confirm cancer. If cancer is present, the sample is tested for HPV (often using p16 or HPV DNA testing) to guide your prognosis and treatment.

What are the treatment options for HPV-related throat cancer?

Treatment

HPV-related throat cancers are highly curable. While traditional treatment protocols are similar to other throat cancers, HPV-positive cancers tend to respond better to radiation and chemotherapy. This can result in better long-term survival outcomes and, potentially, the use of less intensive treatments to reduce side effects.

Treatment options for throat cancer can include:

  • Radiation therapy: Targeted radiation is used to treat tumors and to help shrink HPV-positive cancers before potentially required surgery.
  • Chemotherapy, sometimes combined with radiation and targeted drugs like cetuximab based on the tumor’s characteristics.
  • Minimally invasive surgery: Surgeons remove HPV-related tumors using techniques like transoral robotic surgery or laser procedures while preserving healthy tissue and function.
  • Immunotherapy. Advanced HPV-related throat cancers may be treated with immunotherapy, such as pembrolizumab, to boost the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells.
  • Clinical trials. New treatments for HPV-associated cancers are under development and, due to increasing success in more advanced cancers, are being tested in even earlier stages of cancer.

How can I prevent HPV-related throat cancer or reduce my risk?

Prevention

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent throat cancer, you can take steps to lower your risk. Getting the HPV vaccine can greatly reduce your chance of developing HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.

The recommended ways to lower your risk for throat cancer include:

  • Protect against HPV: Get the HPV vaccine if you are eligible and use condoms during sex to reduce the risk of HPV infection.
  • Avoid tobacco: Don’t smoke or chew tobacco and seek help to quit if you currently do.
  • Limit alcohol: Drink in moderation or avoid alcohol entirely.
  • Eat a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods.
  • Reduce exposure to chemicals: Follow safety guidelines, ensure proper ventilation, and use protective equipment at work.

FAQs

FAQs

HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers respond well to treatment, with a long-term cure rate for most stages being 80% to 90%. 

Seek prompt evaluation for persistent sore throat, a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, unexplained ear pain, or any symptom that doesn’t improve within two weeks.

While there is no guaranteed method of prevention, the HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing HPV-related throat cancer. Safe sex practices can also lower your risk.

No. Most people infected with HPV never develop throat cancer. Risk increases with persistent infection, tobacco or alcohol use, and other factors.

Get outstanding care for HPV-related throat cancer

Get outstanding care

NewYork-Presbyterian provides world-class, comprehensive care for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. Our compassionate teams include expert head and neck surgeons, oral surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, dentists, maxillofacial prosthodontics, and speech therapists. We focus on effectively treating your cancer while preserving your appearance, speech, and swallowing so you can maintain the best quality of life. We also have access to emerging therapies in cutting-edge clinical trials where appropriate.