HPV viruses on a tongue.

HPV and Tongue Cancer: What You Need to Know About This Emerging Threat

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A recent study sheds light on the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in tongue cancer samples from Ecuador, revealing surprising insights that challenge current prevention strategies."

The connection between human papillomavirus (HPV) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is well-established. However, comprehensive data from Ecuador remains limited. A groundbreaking study aimed to characterize HPV infection in Ecuadorian patients diagnosed with tongue cancer, offering new insights into this complex relationship.

Researchers identified fifty-three patients with tongue cancer who received treatment at the SOLCA, Guayaquil, between 2006 and 2011. Using Linear Array® HPV genotyping, the study identified the presence and specific types of HPV in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy samples from these patients.

The study revealed that HPV was present in a significant 42% of the samples, with high-risk (HR) HPV subtypes accounting for 17%. Eighteen different HPV types were identified, with the most common being HR HPV 33 and low-risk HPV 67. These findings suggest a unique HPV profile in this population, differing from patterns observed in other regions.

HPV and Tongue Cancer: Unpacking the Connection

HPV is a common virus that, in most cases, clears up on its own. However, certain high-risk types of HPV can cause changes in cells that may lead to cancer. While HPV is most known for its role in cervical cancer, it's increasingly linked to cancers of the head and neck, particularly the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils).

Several factors can increase your risk of contracting HPV and developing HPV-related cancers, Understanding these risk factors is key to prevention:

Sexual Behavior: The number of sexual partners and engaging in oral sex are significant risk factors.
Age: HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers tend to be more common in younger individuals.
Tobacco and Alcohol: While traditionally associated with head and neck cancers, these factors have an inverse relationship with HPV-positive cancers.
Weakened Immune System: A compromised immune system can increase susceptibility to persistent HPV infections.

The traditional culprits like tobacco and alcohol, while still relevant for some head and neck cancers, don't seem to play as big a role in HPV-positive cases. In fact, some studies suggest an inverse relationship, meaning that HPV-positive cancers might be less common in smokers and heavy drinkers. This highlights just how different these two types of cancer can be.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for You

While more research is needed, this study underscores the importance of understanding the specific HPV types circulating in different populations. Current HPV vaccines primarily target types 16 and 18. The nonavalent vaccine Gardasil® (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) in theory may be more effective in reducing tongue cancer, and other HPV-associated HNC rates given the prevalence of HPV 33, 45, 52, and 58 in this cohort, however, it is cost-prohibitive for the vast majority of the Ecuadorian population. If you have concerns about HPV or are at risk for head and neck cancers, talk to your doctor about screening and prevention options. Stay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize your health.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the established connection between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and tongue cancer?

The connection between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is well-established. Certain high-risk (HR) types of HPV can cause changes in cells that may lead to cancer. While HPV is most known for its role in cervical cancer, it's increasingly linked to cancers of the head and neck, particularly the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils).

What were the key findings of the Ecuadorian study regarding HPV and tongue cancer?

The study identified that HPV was present in a significant 42% of the tongue cancer samples from Ecuadorian patients. Among those, high-risk (HR) HPV subtypes accounted for 17%. Eighteen different HPV types were identified, with the most common being HR HPV 33 and low-risk HPV 67. These findings suggest a unique HPV profile in this population, differing from patterns observed in other regions.

What are the main risk factors for contracting HPV and developing HPV-related cancers?

Several factors can increase your risk of contracting HPV and developing HPV-related cancers: Sexual behavior, including the number of sexual partners and engaging in oral sex, is a significant risk factor. Age is another factor, as HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers tend to be more common in younger individuals. A weakened immune system can also increase susceptibility to persistent HPV infections.

How do traditional risk factors like tobacco and alcohol consumption relate to HPV-positive tongue cancer?

Traditional culprits like tobacco and alcohol, while still relevant for some head and neck cancers, don't seem to play as big a role in HPV-positive cases. Some studies even suggest an inverse relationship, meaning that HPV-positive cancers might be less common in smokers and heavy drinkers. This highlights the differences between these two types of cancer.

What are the implications of the study's findings for prevention and treatment, and what role do vaccines play?

The study underscores the importance of understanding the specific HPV types circulating in different populations. Current HPV vaccines primarily target types 16 and 18. The nonavalent vaccine Gardasil® (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) in theory may be more effective in reducing tongue cancer, and other HPV-associated HNC rates given the prevalence of HPV 33, 45, 52, and 58 in this cohort, however, it is cost-prohibitive for the vast majority of the Ecuadorian population. If you have concerns about HPV or are at risk for head and neck cancers, talk to your doctor about screening and prevention options.