Illustration of HPV and Tongue Cancer

HPV and Tongue Cancer: What You Need to Know

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

"Understanding the Connection Between HPV, Tongue Cancer, and How to Protect Yourself"

Tongue cancer, a form of head and neck cancer, affects thousands of people worldwide each year. While tobacco and alcohol have long been recognized as major risk factors, the role of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is increasingly coming into focus. This article delves into the relationship between HPV and tongue cancer, providing insights into the latest research, risk factors, and preventative measures.

HPV is a common virus, often associated with cervical cancer, but it also plays a significant role in certain types of head and neck cancers, including those affecting the tongue. Understanding the specific HPV types involved, how they impact the development of cancer, and the ways to mitigate risk is crucial for both prevention and early intervention.

This guide is designed to provide clear, accessible information on HPV and tongue cancer. Whether you are seeking to understand your risk, learn about screening options, or explore preventative strategies, this article offers a comprehensive overview, empowering you with knowledge for better health outcomes.

The HPV-Tongue Cancer Link: What the Science Says

Research has established a clear link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the middle part of the throat, including the base of the tongue). Certain strains of HPV, particularly HPV 16, are strongly associated with these cancers. The virus can infect cells in the mouth and throat, causing them to mutate and potentially develop into cancer.

A recent study in Ecuador, published in the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, examined tongue cancer samples from a single institution. The study found that HPV was present in 42% of the samples, with high-risk HPV strains identified in 17% of the cases. The most common types found were HPV 33 and HPV 67. The study underscores the importance of understanding HPV's role in tongue cancer, especially considering the potential for different HPV type prevalence in different populations.

HPV 16: Often the most commonly associated with oropharyngeal cancers.
HPV 33 and 67: Were the most common types found in a recent study.
Multiple Types: More than one HPV type was identified in a significant number of cases.

While tobacco and alcohol use remain significant risk factors for tongue cancer, HPV infection represents an additional, and in some cases, a primary driver of the disease. This highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to prevention and early detection, including HPV vaccination, safe sexual practices, and regular screenings.

Taking Action: Prevention and Early Detection

Understanding the connection between HPV and tongue cancer is the first step toward proactive health management. Regular dental check-ups, open communication with healthcare providers, and awareness of risk factors are essential for early detection and effective intervention. By staying informed and taking preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your risk and promote better health outcomes.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1414-431x20187810, Alternate LINK

Title: A Pilot Study On The Identification Of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes In Tongue Cancer Samples From A Single Institution In Ecuador

Subject: Cell Biology

Journal: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: G.M. Delgado Ramos, T.G. Cotter, L. Flor Ramos, V. Torres Floril, G.A. Ramos Martinez, J.C. Ruiz-Cabezas

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary connection between HPV and tongue cancer, and which specific HPV type is most frequently implicated?

The primary connection lies in certain HPV strains infecting cells in the mouth and throat, potentially causing them to mutate and develop into cancer. HPV 16 is often the most commonly associated with oropharyngeal cancers. While HPV 16 is prominent, it's important to note that other types, such as HPV 33 and HPV 67, have also been identified in tongue cancer cases. Understanding which HPV types are prevalent in different populations is crucial for targeted prevention and screening efforts.

Besides HPV, what are other established risk factors for tongue cancer, and how does HPV's role compare?

While HPV infection is a significant factor, tobacco and alcohol use remain established risk factors for tongue cancer. In some cases, HPV infection can be a primary driver of the disease, underscoring the need for a multifaceted approach to prevention and early detection. It is essential to consider these factors alongside HPV status to assess an individual's overall risk profile and tailor appropriate screening and prevention strategies. Further research is needed to fully understand the interplay between tobacco, alcohol, and HPV in the development of tongue cancer.

What steps can individuals take for the prevention and early detection of tongue cancer related to HPV?

Prevention and early detection strategies include HPV vaccination, safe sexual practices, and regular screenings. Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection, alongside open communication with healthcare providers about any concerns or risk factors. It's crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with HPV and to adopt proactive health management practices to reduce the risk of developing HPV-related tongue cancer. While the HPV vaccine primarily targets HPV 16, it may offer cross-protection against other HPV types as well.

Can the prevalence of different HPV types in tongue cancer vary across different populations, and what implications does this have for research and prevention?

Yes, the prevalence of different HPV types in tongue cancer can vary across different populations. A study in Ecuador identified HPV 33 and HPV 67 as the most common types, highlighting the importance of understanding HPV's role in tongue cancer, especially considering the potential for different HPV type prevalence in different populations. This underscores the need for region-specific research and targeted prevention strategies. Understanding these variations can inform the development of more effective vaccines and screening programs tailored to specific populations.

In a study examining tongue cancer samples, what percentage tested positive for HPV, and what specific high-risk HPV strains were identified?

In the study, HPV was present in 42% of the tongue cancer samples, with high-risk HPV strains identified in 17% of the cases. The most common types found were HPV 33 and HPV 67. The fact that multiple types were identified in a significant number of cases reinforces the complexity of HPV's role in tongue cancer development. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which these different HPV types contribute to the disease and to develop targeted interventions.