I almost lost my tongue to cancer and now I warn other men about the risk of human papillomavirus

Anthony Perriam went to his GP after first noticing the lump, and a few weeks later he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

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HPV is a common group of viruses that affect the skin and do not cause problems in most people, but certain types can cause cancer or genital warts.

“I had only heard of HPV in relation to cervical cancer. I had no idea it could cause cancers like this, especially in men,” explained Anthony, from the Welsh town of Cardiff.

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Anthony added: “I consider myself lucky to be able to continue eating and talking, but if I had let it pass any longer, I could have lost my tongue or even died.”.

Most people who become infected with HPV clear the virus from their body, according to NHS Wales.

However, it can cause genital warts or even lead to cancer, most commonly of the head and neck in men, and of the cervix in women.

In many countries it is recommended HPV vaccine for children 12 and 13 years old and for people at higher risk of contracting the virus.

“If you notice a lump, even if it doesn’t hurt, get it checked.”Anthony said.

“This type of cancer is not talked about enough, especially among men. Early detection really saves lives.”

Despite not presenting any symptoms, a CT scan, biopsy and MRI confirmed the disease in March 2023.

“At that time I had a 3-year-old son and a 6-year-old son. My first thought was not of me, but of them. I was completely terrified of them”said the 41-year-old.

Anthony had 44 lymph nodes removed from his neck, and the primary tumor at the base of his tongue was eventually located using robotic-assisted surgery.

“They told me they had detected it just in time”he commented.

“One of the lymph nodes was about to rupture. If it had gone a little further, it could have spread.”.

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were tough, and Anthony lost 50 pounds of weight.

“I lost all my saliva.”said.

“Even drinking was difficult, as everything turned to dust in my mouth.”.

“I was so weak that I finally needed a wheelchair.””.

“Being wheeled down the hallway to the radiotherapy room was starting to affect my mental health.”.

“But my family gave me the motivation to overcome it and I wanted to live to celebrate my 40th birthday.”.

HPV affects the skin and there are more than 100 different types.

It can be contracted through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, vaginal, anal or oral sex, and by sharing sex toys.

The vaccine is most effective when administered to children ages 12 and 13.

The University Hospital of Wales states that the vaccine has reduced cervical cancer rates by almost 90% in women in their 20s since its introduction in 2008.

Sandeep Berry, an otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon at Cardiff and Vale Health Service, urged parents to encourage their children to get vaccinated.

“The HPV vaccine has been used around the world for years, it is safe and effective”he explained.

“It helps boys and girls stay healthy, prevents HPV-related cancer, and strengthens overall public health.”.

“The vaccine is administered in the eighth year of schooling, since this is when the immune system responds most intensely, before sexual activity begins”.