HPV DNA helix intertwined with a human head, symbolizing the link between HPV and head and neck cancers.

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

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A recent study sheds light on the prevalence of different HPV genotypes in tongue cancer patients in Ecuador, revealing important implications for prevention and treatment."

The connection between human papillomavirus (HPV) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is well-established, but less is known about HPV's role in tongue cancer, particularly in specific geographic regions. A groundbreaking study conducted in Ecuador aimed to fill this gap by characterizing HPV infection in Ecuadorian patients diagnosed with tongue cancer.

Researchers at a tertiary referral center in Guayaquil identified 53 patients with tongue cancer treated between 2006 and 2011. Using Linear Array® HPV genotyping, they analyzed biopsy samples to identify the presence and types of HPV. The results revealed surprising insights into the prevalence of different HPV genotypes and their potential impact on current prevention strategies.

This article breaks down the key findings of the study, explains their significance, and explores what you need to know about HPV and its relationship to tongue cancer. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a patient, or simply interested in staying informed, this guide provides valuable information on an emerging health concern.

The Surprising Prevalence of HPV in Tongue Cancer: What the Ecuadorian Study Reveals

HPV DNA helix intertwined with a human head, symbolizing the link between HPV and head and neck cancers.

The Ecuadorian study revealed that HPV was present in a significant portion of tongue cancer samples. In fact, 42% of the samples tested positive for HPV, with high-risk HPV subtypes identified in 17% of cases. This finding underscores the importance of considering HPV as a potential factor in tongue cancer development.

However, the study also uncovered a surprising twist. Unlike many other regions where HPV 16 is the dominant strain associated with oropharyngeal cancers, the Ecuadorian cohort exhibited a different pattern. The most common HPV types identified were HPV 33 (a high-risk type) and HPV 67 (a low-risk type), each found in 14% of the cases. Other high-risk HPV types, such as HPV 58, were also detected.

HPV was identified in 42% of tongue cancer samples.
High-risk HPV was present in 17% of cases.
The most common types were HPV 33 and HPV 67 (both 14%).
More than one HPV type was identified in 27.3% of cases.
HPV 33 was frequently associated with other HPV types.

These findings suggest that the HPV landscape in tongue cancer may vary across different populations and geographic regions. The absence of HPV 16 as the primary driver in the Ecuadorian cohort raises important questions about the potential role of other HPV types and the effectiveness of current HPV vaccines.

What This Means for HPV Vaccination and Prevention

The results of this study have significant implications for HPV vaccination strategies and overall prevention efforts. Currently available HPV vaccines, such as Cervarix® and Gardasil®, primarily target HPV 16 and 18, the most common high-risk types associated with cervical cancer. However, the Ecuadorian study suggests that these vaccines may not be as effective in preventing tongue cancer in this population due to the prevalence of different HPV types.

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Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is HPV, and how is it related to tongue cancer?

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common virus that can lead to various health issues, including tongue cancer. Specific HPV types, particularly high-risk ones, are associated with an increased risk of developing oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Understanding which HPV strains are prevalent in different populations is crucial for prevention and treatment strategies. Some HPV infections can cause no symptoms but may still lead to cancer, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings and awareness.

Why is it important to know if HPV is present in tongue cancer?

The presence of HPV in tongue cancer is significant because it suggests a viral etiology for a subset of these cancers. The study in Ecuador highlights that HPV's role may vary geographically, with different HPV types being more prevalent than the typically associated HPV 16. This difference has implications for prevention, as current HPV vaccines may not offer the same level of protection against tongue cancers driven by less common HPV types. Identifying the specific HPV genotypes involved is essential for tailoring prevention and treatment approaches.

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

The study revealed that in the Ecuadorian cohort, HPV was present in 42% of tongue cancer samples, with high-risk HPV subtypes identified in 17% of cases. Surprisingly, HPV 16, which is commonly linked to oropharyngeal cancers, was not the dominant strain. Instead, HPV 33 and HPV 67 were the most prevalent, each found in 14% of cases. Other high-risk HPV types, like HPV 58, were also detected. These findings underscore the variability of HPV genotypes in tongue cancer across different populations.

How do these findings affect HPV vaccination strategies?

The findings suggest that current HPV vaccines, such as Cervarix® and Gardasil®, which primarily target HPV 16 and 18, may not be as effective in preventing tongue cancer in populations where other HPV types are more prevalent. This highlights the need for region-specific prevention strategies and potentially the development of vaccines that offer broader protection against a wider range of HPV genotypes. Further research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of existing vaccines against the less common HPV types associated with tongue cancer.

Where was the HPV tongue cancer study conducted?

The study was conducted in Ecuador, where researchers analyzed biopsy samples from 53 patients with tongue cancer treated between 2006 and 2011. The study used Linear Array® HPV genotyping to identify the presence and types of HPV in these samples. The study's geographic focus is important because it highlights how the prevalence of specific HPV types in tongue cancer can vary by region.