And so if HPV is so common then why aren't we all screened for it with a throat scope often? I'm sure people who get throat cancer and die would have really appreciated a scope. And, how does one get the throat scope. Do we just ask our dentists? Is it that easy?
Hi Lynn, you can get it at hollandhealthcareinc.com. Oral cancer should be screened for more often. It is your dentist's job to screen for oral cancer and it should be your primary doctor's job to screen for head & neck cancer.
Unfortunately, the majority of HPV occurs in areas where we don't have visual access to....tonsillar areas, back of throat, posterior base of the tongue. About 3% occur in the oral cavity. A laryngoscope is one of the many diagnostic tests that are done to identify HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. This along with ultrasounds, PET scan, CT scan, fine-needle aspiration biopsy as applicable. A dentist and dental hygienist should perform a head and neck exam and an intraoral cancer screening exam annually. You're right HPV is very, very common; however, the vast majority clear the infection on their own. A persistent infection with a high-risk strain is what has the ability to develop into a malignancy or cancer. Throat Scope is a very valuable tool to retract and illuminate inside the oral cavity; however, it is not a diagnostic tool. A biopsy is the only true definitive way to fully diagnose an abnormal finding.
@@lynnv8501 You are most welcome Lynn. I am only sorry that I didn't see your question earlier. I would have certainly provided clarification. The continual clearing of your throat may be related to a number of different issue....sinuses, gastroesophageal reflux disorder etc. I am NOT a medical doctor. The best advice I could give to you is that if something persists and there is no known reason for this change that you are aware of, definitely seek medical attention and further evaluation. Hope this is helpful to you.
@@lynnv8501 Also another recommendation is to do a self-examination of your own mouth on a regular basis. Visit www.checkyourmouth.org and you will be able to access a video that teaches you how to do this effectively. Also there is a link to the Oral Cancer Foundation that will give you a lot of information on HPV and it's connection with tonsillar, back of throat and base of tongue cancer. Symptoms are all noted on the site as well. Screening both by a professional and regular self-examination is so important. oralcancerfoundation.org/understanding/hpv/hpv-oral-cancer-facts/
And so if HPV is so common then why aren't we all screened for it with a throat scope often? I'm sure people who get throat cancer and die would have really appreciated a scope. And, how does one get the throat scope. Do we just ask our dentists? Is it that easy?
Hi Lynn, you can get it at hollandhealthcareinc.com. Oral cancer should be screened for more often. It is your dentist's job to screen for oral cancer and it should be your primary doctor's job to screen for head & neck cancer.
Unfortunately, the majority of HPV occurs in areas where we don't have visual access to....tonsillar areas, back of throat, posterior base of the tongue. About 3% occur in the oral cavity. A laryngoscope is one of the many diagnostic tests that are done to identify HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. This along with ultrasounds, PET scan, CT scan, fine-needle aspiration biopsy as applicable. A dentist and dental hygienist should perform a head and neck exam and an intraoral cancer screening exam annually. You're right HPV is very, very common; however, the vast majority clear the infection on their own. A persistent infection with a high-risk strain is what has the ability to develop into a malignancy or cancer. Throat Scope is a very valuable tool to retract and illuminate inside the oral cavity; however, it is not a diagnostic tool. A biopsy is the only true definitive way to fully diagnose an abnormal finding.
@@jo-annejones8692 thank you for replying. I have to constantly clear my throat. Should I be concerned?
@@lynnv8501 You are most welcome Lynn. I am only sorry that I didn't see your question earlier. I would have certainly provided clarification. The continual clearing of your throat may be related to a number of different issue....sinuses, gastroesophageal reflux disorder etc. I am NOT a medical doctor. The best advice I could give to you is that if something persists and there is no known reason for this change that you are aware of, definitely seek medical attention and further evaluation. Hope this is helpful to you.
@@lynnv8501 Also another recommendation is to do a self-examination of your own mouth on a regular basis. Visit www.checkyourmouth.org and you will be able to access a video that teaches you how to do this effectively. Also there is a link to the Oral Cancer Foundation that will give you a lot of information on HPV and it's connection with tonsillar, back of throat and base of tongue cancer. Symptoms are all noted on the site as well. Screening both by a professional and regular self-examination is so important. oralcancerfoundation.org/understanding/hpv/hpv-oral-cancer-facts/