2015-02-03

The Demonick Diatribes – #7

How this non-smoker got throat cancer and why you may care

This is an odd sort of communication, but as you are someone I care about I feel compelled to pass along some recent information which you may find useful.

I have cancer, but that's not really the point. The point is HOW I got cancer. It was caused by HPV, human papillomavirus, the same virus that causes virtually all cervical cancer.

How did I get it? The same way Michael Douglas the actor got it. By being generous in my lovemaking sometime in the last forty years. Luckily my cancer was caught considerably earlier than his.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/oral-sex-and-throat-cancer-michael-douglas-hpv-report-spotlights-epidemic/

No good deed goes unpunished. :)

My oncologist has confirmed this. In the past ten years they have been seeing increasing numbers of men over forty who have no known risk factors for throat cancer, that is they were not heavy cigarette smokers nor heavy drinkers. However, they did at some time(s) in their life perform oral sex for a woman who was infected with HPV. Biopsy on the tumors confirms HPV involvement. My oncologist said he is seeing more than one new case of this per week. Other doctors in his office are seeing the same. They call it an epidemic.

When initially infected the virus produces a mild throat infection. You will never remember the infection. The virus inserts its DNA into some stem cells in your throat then your body fights off the viral infection. You're cured of the infection. But, the little buggers have left behind a gift. A gift that can keep on giving. A little bit of DNA stuck inside your own throat cells which can, years later, cause cancer. Generally Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).

Treatment for throat cancer is not pleasant. The further along it is the more unpleasant it is. Portions of your throat and/or tongue are removed. Issues with swallowing inevitably follow. Often issues with speech follow as well. Follow up with radiation and chemotherapy are common. It all depends on where it landed and where it has spread.

So, here's my suggestion for the men I care about the most. Have your current woman tested for HPV infection. And, if you have previously been generous in your lovemaking, pay attention to ANY changes in your throat and neck. Something as minor as a persistent tickle in the same place at the base of your throat lasting weeks. Persistent spots anywhere inside your mouth. Discomfort in the ears. Pain need not be involved. The good news is the cancer is slow growing.

If you have children I suggest you have them, male and female, vaccinated against HPV with Gardasil. Virtually all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. And HPV induced male throat cancer is expected to overtake all other causes of throat cancer in the next decade.

I found mine because of a swollen lymph node. A lump on the right side of my neck. I was lucky because I found it early and it has not spread beyond the back of the tongue (right-side) and the lymph nodes. With surgery and radiation my long-term prognosis is very good. There are some difficult months ahead, but I'll pop out the other side as annoying as ever.