When 63-year-old Frank Lane from the UK noticed a firm, egg-sized lump on the side of his neck, throat cancer was the last thing on his mind. Like most people, he assumed it was something minor—maybe swollen glands from a workout. But two weeks later, nothing had changed. That’s when Frank decided to visit his doctor, a decision that may have saved his life.
“When the doctor looked in my mouth, she could actually see it sticking out of my tonsil—it was the size of a boiled egg,” Frank recalled.
Frank was left ‘surprised’ by his diagnosis (Kennedy News and Media)
biopsy revealed the shocking truth: Frank had oropharyngeal cancer, a type of throat cancer often linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV)—a common sexually transmitted infection.
How Does HPV Cause Throat Cancer?
HPV has over 200 strains, and while most clear up on their own, some can lead to serious health issues like cervical cancer, genital warts, and now, rising cases of throat cancer. According to Dr. Hisham Mehanna from the University of Birmingham, the main risk factor is the number of lifetime oral sex partners.
- People with six or more lifetime oral sex partners are 8.5 times more likely to develop HPV-related throat cancer.
- Most people’s immune systems fight off the virus, but in some, HPV lingers, integrates into their DNA, and may turn cells cancerous over time.
A doctor has explained the link between oral sex and the development of throat cancer (Getty Stock Photo)
Learn more about HPV from the CDC’s official resource.
Frank’s Battle—and His Recovery
Doctors believe Frank contracted HPV around 40 years ago while serving in the army. After his diagnosis, he endured two rounds of chemotherapy and six weeks of intense radiotherapy.
Related Posts
“I was in the army for 12 years, and that [treatment] was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced,” he said.
Thankfully, his treatment worked, and Frank is now cancer-free.
How to Protect Yourself
- Get vaccinated against HPV (recommended for boys and girls starting at age 11–12, but adults can get it too).
- Practice safe sex to reduce HPV transmission.
- Don’t ignore unusual symptoms like lumps, persistent sore throats, or difficulty swallowing—get checked early.
For support and more information, visit the American Cancer Society or call 1-800-227-2345.
