What is the likelihood of an oral hpv infection leading to oral cancer?

Be vigilant: Hpv infection is quickly outpacing alcohol and tobacco as a major risk factor for developing oral cancer, especially in the base of tongue and oropharynx (back of throat). Your dentist and/or hygienist should be doing an oral cancer exam at every visit. See your physician or dentist if you have a sore throat that does not go away in a week, or if you have a swelling on one side of your neck.

Summary: The leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer is from HPV, a very small number of oral cavity cancers also occur from HPV. Any suspicious lesion should be evaluated by oral surgeon or ENT doc. For more information: http://oralcancerfoundation.org/understanding/hpv/