Recently I have heard and read about the significant influence of oral sex on the appearance of oral cavity cancers. Are people who have one sexual partner all the time and maintain proper hygiene of the genitals and oral cavity also exposed to it?
Hello,
There is scientific evidence that there is a possibility of a greater risk of cancer in the oral cavity in the case of oral sex, but it is not the way of having sex that is important, but the possible infection with the human papillomavirus, which virus is sexually transmitted. If a person carrying this virus (called the HPV virus - short for Human Papilloma Virus) has classic sex, then your partner may be at risk of developing cervical cancer.
Genital hygiene is very important, but it does not protect you from contracting HPV if your partners had previously or currently had other partners. To make sure that partners who prefer oral sex are not carriers of HPV, it is advisable to perform a special test - it is a molecular examination of HPV DNA by PCR. The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method is based on the use of the polymerase chain reaction, which enables a very fast multiplication of HPV copies. It is a very sensitive test that allows detecting the virus at a very early stage of infection. In order to perform the test, you should contact the facility that performs such an examination (these are usually STDs or some NZOZs performing extended diagnostics) - the facility must order a test tube with a special base in which a swab from the genital mucosa will be placed. The waiting time for the test result is from 7 to 21 days (it is a very complicated modern genetic test). There are many types of HPV: Virus type 6,11 - low risk of developing benign lesions Viruses of the type 33,35,39,40,43,51-56,58 have moderate risk of developing neoplastic lesions Viruses of type 16,18 - high risk The relationship between oral sex and oral cancer was established in connection with the observed increase in the incidence of cancer of the palate, base of the tongue, and tonsils among young Americans. In a study conductedby the famous American John Hopkins Hospital, in which 130 patients with oral cavity cancer were analyzed in detail, the following factors causing an increased risk of developing cancer in the oral cavity are listed: poor oral hygiene, smoking, drinking alcohol over 15 drinks a week, taking marijuana, oral sex with people who have had multiple partners (such sexual behavior will increase the risk of contracting the human papillomavirus). The authors of the study emphasize that the relationship between oral cancer and oral-genital sex is well documented scientifically. Oral cancer can develop in both young men and girls.
Vaccinations against HPV are currently available, more information on HPV can be found at http://www.hpv.pl/index/archiwum/6063
Regards Dr. n.med. Krystyna Knypl
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Krystyna KnyplInternist, hypertensiologist, editor-in-chief of "Gazeta dla Lekarzy".
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