HPV's Link to Head and Neck Cancer Studied

Doctors at Vanderbilt University Medical Center's cancer center are studying the role HPV may play in head and neck cancer development. Patients with head and neck cancer are being tested for the presence of HPV. Researchers have found that about fifty percent of of people with this type of cancer are HPV positive.

How Can HPV Cause Head and Neck Cancer?

Researchers don't know the exactly how HPV may play a role in the development of head and neck cancer, but believe oral sex may have something to do with it. HPV is transmitted through sexual, skin to skin contact, and that includes oral sex.

More About HPV

• What is HPV and How is Transmitted?