Medically reviewed by Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty, Surgical Oncologist · Last reviewed June 2026
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a growing cause of cancers at the back of the mouth and throat — separate from the tobacco and areca-nut cancers more common in India. The encouraging part: these cancers tend to respond well to treatment, and knowing the early signs means you can act sooner. A persistent sore throat, a neck lump, or trouble swallowing that lasts beyond two weeks all deserve a specialist's attention.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus, and most infections clear on their own without causing any harm. In a small number of people, a high-risk type of the virus — most often HPV-16 — persists in the tissues at the back of the mouth and throat. Over many years, this lingering infection can change healthy cells into cancer cells, leading to a cancer of the oropharynx — the area that includes the base of the tongue and the tonsils.
HPV-related cancer is different from the tobacco- and areca-nut-related oral cancers that are more common in India. It usually develops at the back of the mouth and throat rather than on the inner cheek or tongue, it more often affects people who have never used tobacco, and — importantly — it tends to respond better to treatment. Knowing the difference, and recognising the early signs, helps you act at the right time.
The share of throat (oropharyngeal) cancers linked to HPV has been rising, even as tobacco use falls — and many of these cancers occur in people who have never smoked or chewed tobacco. Because HPV-positive cancers behave differently, doctors now routinely test oropharyngeal tumours for HPV (using a p16 marker) to guide treatment. (Source: NCCN Head & Neck Cancers Guidelines; ICMR / National Cancer Registry Programme.)
Both are serious and both need a specialist, but they differ in where they start, who they affect, and how they respond to treatment.
HPV-related cancers usually begin at the back of the mouth and throat — the base of the tongue and the tonsils (the oropharynx). Tobacco-related cancers more often start in the oral cavity — the inner cheek, the front of the tongue, the gums or the floor of the mouth.
HPV-positive cancers more often affect people who have never used tobacco, and tend to occur at a somewhat younger age. Tobacco-related cancers are strongly tied to chewing or smoking habits and to combined alcohol use.
HPV-related cancers often present first as a painless lump in the neck, a persistent sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Tobacco-related cancers more often appear as a non-healing mouth ulcer or a white or red patch you can see or feel.
HPV-positive throat cancers generally respond better to treatment and carry a more favourable outlook than HPV-negative, tobacco-related cancers at a similar stage. Either way, earlier diagnosis means simpler treatment and better outcomes.
For more on the role of chewing and smoking, see our page on tobacco and oral cancer.
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Early action means simpler treatment, better outcomes, and lower cost. Our oncologists assess and treat throat and oral cancers every day.
HPV-related cancers can be quiet early on. Watch for any of the following — especially if they persist for more than 2 weeks:
Outcomes published by ICMR/NCRP for India versus 1-year survival rates achieved at CION across our oncology network.
*1-year survival rates. Source: ICMR / National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) national averages compared with CION patient outcomes across the network. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers generally carry a more favourable outlook than HPV-negative cancers at a similar stage.
Most HPV infections clear on their own and never cause cancer. The steps that help lower your risk are practical: the HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk types most often linked to these cancers and is most effective when given before exposure to the virus. Not using tobacco and limiting alcohol matter too, because both add to the risk and because tobacco worsens the outlook even in HPV-related cancers. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups give a chance to spot anything unusual early.
If you notice a painless neck lump, a sore throat that won't settle, voice changes, or difficulty swallowing lasting more than two weeks, see our oral cancer specialists without delay. A short specialist consultation and the right test — a clinical examination, imaging, and a biopsy with HPV (p16) testing where appropriate — is usually enough to confirm or rule out cancer. Early action is always easier than catching up later.
A persistent sore throat, a neck lump, or trouble swallowing? Book a free consultation at your nearest CION Cancer Clinic.
Our NABH-accredited centres across Hyderabad deliver evidence-based oral and oropharyngeal cancer care — from biopsy and HPV (p16) testing and staging imaging through to surgery, advanced radiation therapy (IMRT/IGRT), chemotherapy and immunotherapy — guided by NCCN and ESMO protocols and reviewed for every patient by a multidisciplinary tumour board with surgical, medical and radiation oncology input.
For a detailed walk-through of oral cancer diagnosis, treatment options, costs, and our specialist team, see our dedicated page on oral cancer treatment in Hyderabad.
Disclaimer: This page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified oncologist for guidance specific to your medical condition. Content on this page is periodically reviewed and updated by CION's medical team in accordance with current clinical guidelines.
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Start Your Story. Book Free Consultation.Yes. Certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus — most often HPV-16 — can cause cancer at the back of the mouth and throat, an area called the oropharynx that includes the base of the tongue and the tonsils. Most HPV infections are harmless and clear on their own, and only a small number of persistent infections lead to cancer. HPV-related cancer is different from the tobacco- and areca-nut-related oral cancers that are more common in India.
HPV-related cancers usually start at the back of the mouth and throat, more often affect people who have never used tobacco, and tend to occur at a somewhat younger age. Tobacco-related cancers more often start in the oral cavity — the inner cheek, front of the tongue, gums or floor of the mouth — and are strongly tied to chewing or smoking habits. Importantly, HPV-positive throat cancers generally respond better to treatment than HPV-negative ones at a similar stage.
The most common first sign is a painless lump in the neck. Other signs include a persistent sore throat (often on one side), difficulty or pain when swallowing, voice changes, one-sided ear pain without an ear infection, and a lump felt near the base of the tongue or a tonsil. If any of these last more than two weeks, see an oncologist without delay so the cause can be confirmed or ruled out.
The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk virus types most often linked to oropharyngeal and other HPV-related cancers, and it is most effective when given before exposure to the virus. While the vaccine was developed primarily to prevent cervical cancer, it also reduces the risk of the HPV types associated with throat cancer. Speak to a doctor about whether vaccination is appropriate for you or your family.
Many HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers respond well to treatment and carry a more favourable outlook than HPV-negative, tobacco-related cancers at a similar stage. Treatment is decided by a multidisciplinary tumour board and may combine surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy depending on the stage and site. As with all cancers, earlier diagnosis means simpler treatment and better outcomes, which is why acting on persistent symptoms matters.
Diagnosis starts with a clinical examination of the mouth, throat and neck, followed by imaging and a biopsy of the suspicious area. When an oropharyngeal cancer is found, the tissue is usually tested for HPV using a marker called p16, because knowing the HPV status helps the tumour board plan the most suitable treatment. At CION, biopsy slides are re-read by a senior pathologist and every case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team.
