Looking more closely at the two samples infected by HPV 16 (researchers) saw signs the virus had integrated into the tumor’s DNA — which is even more suggestive that the infection caused the tumor.
Almost everyone knows that HPV can cause genital warts and even cervical cancer.
As it turns out, new research shows that the same strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer may also trigger lung cancer.
Studies from Asia have shown that lung tumors are frequently infected with HPV … lungs are located near the head and neck region, which is known to be at risk of tumors upon exposure to some strains of HPV. Other studies have also shown that lung tumors are frequently infected with HPV. (1)
Additionally, a meta-analysis of the available medical literature found that “lung tissue with HPV infection has a strong association with LC (lung cancer), and especially, HPV16/18 infection significantly increases squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) risk, which indicates a potential pathogenesis link between HPV and LC.” (2)
It is important to note that while cervical cancer has warning signs such as cervical displasia, lung cancer often has no warning signs. In fact, approximately 7-10% of patients with lung cancer have no symptoms until the disease is well advanced. (3)
When symptoms do occur, the following are most common: The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:
- A cough that does not go away or gets worse.
- Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing.
- Hoarseness.
- Weight loss and loss of appetite.
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)
- Shortness of breath.
- Feeling tired or weak.
References:
(1) Medscape.com – Winston W Tan, MD, FACP; Chief Editor: Jules E Harris, MD “Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Clinical Presentation.” Updated: Apr 9, 2015
(2) Oncology Nurse Advisor – HPV infection found to increase risk of lung cancer. Published October 20, 2014
(3) Science Daily – Some lung cancers linked to common virus. Published April 10, 2013. – Fox Chase Cancer Center