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FAQ’s

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See Risk Factors & Facts ➤

  • Oral HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common viral infection found in the mouth and throat. It spreads through oral sex, deep kissing, or sharing saliva. While most cases resolve on their own, some high-risk types can lead to cancer if left undetected.

  • Not exactly. They're caused by the same virus family, but oral and genital infections affect different parts of the body. The cancer-causing strains are often the same, which is why early detection matters.

  • Most people experience no symptoms — which makes it easy to carry and unknowingly transmit. In rare cases, symptoms may include sore throat, hoarseness, or swollen lymph nodes, but don’t rely on symptoms to detect it.

    • Oral Sex

    • Multiple Partners

    • Smoking

    • Drinking Alcohol

    • Open Mouth Kissing

    • Weak Immune System

    • Sharing Drinks & Utensils

  • Spreads by oral sex, kissing, sharing utensils and skin to skin contact.

  • Anyone who is sexually active — especially if you’ve had multiple partners, smoked, or have a weakened immune system. It’s quick, painless, and gives you clarity.

  • It is a qualitative real-time PCR test that detects 14 high-risk HPV types - 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68.

  • We test for 14 high-risk HPV types including HPV 16 which is responsible for most cases of oral and throat cancer.

  • Screening for the presence of the virus is a reliable method to determine if you have tested positive for HPV.

  • Just a simple throat swab. No needles, no blood. The sample is sent to our lab in a special viral transport medium for precise analysis.

  • Usually within a few business days. Your provider will follow up with your results and next steps.

  • Patients who test positive are advised to undergo thorough examination by a dentist, dental surgeon or Ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. Most cases of HPV infection resolve on their own, however persistent HPV infection is linked to cancer development. Therefore, retesting in 6-12 months is advised. If the infection is persistent referral to dental surgeon or ENT doctor for comprehensive evaluation is considered a good next step.

  • Infections of HPV of the mouth and throat can cause 70% of oral and oropharyngeal cancers in the US, oropharyngeal cancers.

    Detection and removal of early oral and oropharyngeal premalignant lesions can significantly reduce the risk of progression to cancer.

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