HPV (human papillomavirus) can infect the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue. Many people have no symptoms at first, but when symptoms appear, these are common:
Sore throat that does not go away
Pain or difficulty while swallowing
Feeling of something stuck in the throat
Hoarse voice or voice change
Small lump or swelling in the neck
Ear pain (on one side, without ear infection)
Unexplained weight loss (in some cases)
White or red patch in the mouth or throat
Small wart-like growth inside the throat (rarely visible)
Important point (please read):
In some people, HPV in the throat can slowly lead to throat cancer, especially in the tonsils or the back of the tongue.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most HPV infections clear on their own, but a small number can cause cancers of the throat (also called oropharyngeal cancer).
Also explained by Mayo Clinic, warning signs include long-lasting sore throat, trouble swallowing, voice change, and a neck lump.
When should you see a doctor?
If you have any of these symptoms for more than 2–3 weeks, especially:
sore throat not improving
neck lump
swallowing problem
👉 You should visit an ENT (throat specialist).
Short and clear reminder
Not every sore throat means HPV.
But long-lasting symptoms should never be ignored.