THROAT HPV TESTING FOR PATIENTS

Revolutionary

HPV-related oropharyngeal (throat) cancer cases are at an all-time high. HPV is identified in at least 87% oropharyngeal cancers.

OmniPathology is proud to be a partner with many medical and dental providers in offering a revolutionary new way to detect HPV using a throat swab.

RISK FACTORS

  • Oral Sex

  • Multiple partners

  • Smoking

  • Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Open mouth kissing

  • Weak immune system

FACTS:

  • HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.

  • Oral and oropharyngeal HPV is often transmitted through oral sex.

  • Oral and oropharyngeal HPV have no symptons and most sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime.

  • Most HPV infection resolves on its own, but persistent HPV infection is associated with cancer.

  • The number of people infected with oral and oropharyngeal HPV has increased over the past 30 years. According to the CDC, 10% of men and 3.6% of women have Oral HPV. Infections of HPV of the mouth and throat can cause 70% of oral cancers in the US, including oropharyngeal cancers.

  • Specimen collection is as easy as obtaining an oropharyngeal (throat) swab placed in viral transport media.

  • Patients who test positive for any of the high-risk types should be followed up and possibly retested in 6-12 to identify those with persistent HPV infection.

  • Follow up should also consider the patient's other risk factors and medical history.

FAQ’s:

  • Oral and oropharyngeal HPV infection have no symptoms.

  • Spreads by oral sex, kissing, sharing utensils and skin to skin contact.

  • Most sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime.

    • Oral Sex

    • Multiple Partners

    • Smoking

    • Drinking Alcohol

    • Open Mouth Kissing

    • Weak Immune System

    • Sharing Drinks & Utensils

  • Screening for the presence of the virus is a reliable method to determine if you have tested positive for HPV.

  • It is a qualitative real-time PCR test that detects 14 high-risk HPV types - 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68.

  • We test for 14 high-risk HPV types including HPV 16 which is responsible for most cases of oral and throat cancer.

  • Patients who test positive are advised to undergo thorough examination by a dentist, dental surgeon or Ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. Most cases of HPV infection resolve on their own, however persistent HPV infection is linked to cancer development. Therefore, retesting in 6-12 months is advised. If the infection is persistent referral to dental surgeon or ENT doctor for comprehensive evaluation is considered a good next step.

  • Infections of HPV of the mouth and throat can cause 70% of oral and oropharyngeal cancers in the US, oropharyngeal cancers.

    Detection and removal of early oral and oropharyngeal premalignant lesions can significantly reduce the risk of progression to cancer.

Questions? Call us at (626) 744-5339 or email at info@omnipathology.com.
We are more than happy to speak with you!